Image Credit- AFP
While the team is taking a holiday in Abu Dhabi
between the Tests against India, England has let Dan Lawrence to return to the
squad for the ILT20.
Lawrence was a wildcard signing for Desert Vipers who
only played one match before departing for India. He was picked up to the Test
team following Harry Brook’s late withdrawal. Given that the series is
currently tied at one wicket, he was not picked for either of the first two
Tests.
Now that the team is on vacation in Abu Dhabi,
Lawrence has been granted permission to play two additional games for the team.
Vipers are still in the running for a top-four finish and a spot in the
knockout stages despite being fifth in the table.
“We are delighted to welcome Dan back to the
Vipers and it is something that makes perfect sense for everyone,” Tom
Moody, Vipers director of cricket, said. “The Vipers are getting a
top-class player, someone who can affect the game with bat and ball who has
already been part of the Vipers set-up, and someone who is craving match
action.
“For his part, Dan is getting the opportunity for
some time in the middle and, when he returns to the England fold, they will
have a player who will have benefited from playing after time on the sidelines
during the ongoing Test series.
“We are extremely grateful to the England team
for allowing Dan to rejoin us and grateful, too, for Dan’s willingness to jump
at the opportunity.
“In his short time with us at the start of the
tournament, Dan was a terrific, positive influence both on and off the field
and we look forward to him playing a part in pushing us towards the play-offs
as the regular season draws to a close.”
Vipers play Dubai Capitals in Dubai on Friday before
finishing the group stage with a game against Sharjah Warriors in Abu Dhabi on
Sunday. Warriors are currently fourth, two points ahead of Vipers but having
played a game more.