England release Loudon

Published November 30, 2005

LAHORE, Nov 29: England on Tuesday released off-spinner Alex Loudon from the Test squad in Pakistan to attend a cricket academy in India, team management announced here.

Loudon will join compatriots Gareth Batty, Ravi Bopara, Jamie Dalrymple, Ed Joyce, Mike Yardy and Luke Wright at the 10-day world cricket academy in Mumbai under the supervision of England academy coach Peter Moores.

“Alex has made a good impression on his first tour with England and his ability to bowl the doosra makes him an exciting prospect for the future,” England coach Duncan Fletcher said in a statement.

“As he has not been selected for this Test, this is an excellent opportunity for him to gain more experience of conditions on the subcontinent and continue his development as a cricketer.”

Loudon, 25, played just one warm-up game on England’s current tour of Pakistan.—AFP