Dom Bess: Somerset spinner called into England squad for Test against Pakistan

There is no place for Craig Overton, however, with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood preferred as the seamers alongside James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Bess, 20, takes the place of his teammate Jack Leach, who broke his thumb in the nets prior to yesterday's final day against Hampshire in Taunton.

CALL-UP: Dom Bess in action against Hampshire. Pic: Alex Davidson/SCCC

He told the County Gazette: "I was in IKEA when I got the call - it was pretty good timing, it broke up an argument about sofas.

"It's unbelievable, an amazing opportunity.

"I don't want it to be a one-off. I'm determined to grasp this opportunity and show everyone what I can do.

"I'm gutted for Leachy, we're very close and it's tough for him, but I think he'll be happy for me.

"I feel ready. I think if you asked any young player they would say the same, but I always back myself.

"It feels a bit weird to see my name up there with the likes of Anderson and Broad, but I'm so excited to test myself at this level and see where my game is at compared to these top players."

The Devonian off-spinner, who was born in Exeter and raised in Sidmouth, has taken 63 wickets in just 16 First Class matches at an average of 22.49.

He is also a talented lower-order batsmen, recording his maiden First Class century while playing for the MCC against Essex in March and making his highest score for Somerset with 92 against Hampshire over the weekend to take his career average above 25.

WELL BATTED: Dom Bess acknowledges applause after reaching his half-century against Hampshire. Pic: Alex Davidson/SCCC

Bess burst on to the scene on his First Class debut in September 2016 when, aged 19, he removed Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell in successive deliveries on his way to figures of 6-28 from 16 overs against Warwickshire in Taunton.

Working in tandem with Leach on Taunton's turning wickets through the remainder of that season and the 2017 summer, Bess has seven five-wicket hauls to his name in First Class cricket to date.

A combative and confident character, Bess has made no secret of his desire to reach the top - he spoke at the close of play on Sunday about wanting to play for England as soon as possible - though the speed of his ascent may have taken even him by surprise.

That notwithstanding, he will no doubt be desperate to make the most of his opportunity with the national side.

Bess becomes the third recent graduate of the Somerset Academy to have been named in an England squad in the last six months, following Craig Overton and Jack Leach, and joins another, Jos Buttler, in this squad following the wicketkeeper-batsman's surprise recall.

New national selector Ed Smith said: “Dom Bess has made an excellent start to his First Class career.

"He has impressed everyone with his performances for Somerset and when he has been given opportunities with England representative teams.

"With Jack Leach missing out due to injury, the selection panel wanted to invest opportunity in a young spin bowler. Dom’s strong form, character and all-round abilities presented a compelling case for selection.”

England squad to face Pakistan at Lord's - May 24-28: 

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain
James Anderson (Lancashire) 
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire) wicketkeeper
Dom Bess (Somerset) 
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) 
Jos Buttler (Lancashire) 
Alastair Cook (Essex) 
Dawid Malan (Middlesex) 
Ben Stokes (Durham) 
Mark Stoneman (Surrey) 
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire) 
Mark Wood (Durham)