Marital bliss put back as Briggs justifies decision of England selectors

The 21-year-old spinner had clearly not reckoned on making the cut from England’s provisional 30-man squad to their final 15 when he and fiancee Linsey set the date for an autumn wedding.

But when the young couple discovered the groom-to-be was needed elsewhere, Briggs’s understanding partner agreed to put the big day back a month so that he could represent his country.

He is shaping up as no mere bridesmaid in Sri Lanka either, having opened the bowling for England yesterday and taken 3-15 in a 15-run warm-up win over Pakistan. The slow left-armer is grateful for his fiancee’s support, and delighted to be doing her and his country proud too.

“She’ll definitely understand,” he said, after England had recorded a second successive warm-up victory to build confidence for the start of their competitive campaign against Afghanistan tomorrow. “We’ve rescheduled it, so it’s now in October. So there’s a bit of time now.

“I’ll concentrate on this, and concentrate on the marriage afterwards. It’s great to get three wickets here (instead).”

Briggs was not the only one with plenty to smile about after England had pulled off an improbable victory as he and Jade Dernbach (3-14) did the most to defend a vulnerable 111 all out and restrict Pakistan to 96-9.

Captain Stuart Broad’s economy was also a significant contribution, as was in-form No 3 Luke Wright’s 38 – almost twice as many as any other batsman managed on either side.

England were following up their nine-run win over Australia threedays ago, and Briggs said: “We’ve played really well the first week, and to get two wins under our belt is perfect preparation really for that first match. We’re really looking forward to that now.”

He himself performed with credit too against Australia, even though Michael Hussey ruined his figures in that match by hitting him for three consecutive sixes in his final over.

Asked if he feels in the frame to therefore retain his place when things get serious for England’s Group A opener, he said: “I hope so.

“It’s come out well in both games, and that’s all you can do really.”

Briggs operated wicket-to-wicket, at a mostly full length, and was thankful for a new ball which helped him find some spin to go with his expert flight.

“I tried to bowl straight, and make them hit the ball; it’s fairly simple, every game you play,” he said. “They’re all good players of spin, world-class. It’s tough, but you’ve got to keep things simple.”

Broad’s hopefuls were aware they had fallen a little short with the bat after winning the toss, but knew they still had an outside chance on an awkward pitch.

“It was quite a low total, and you always fear it might not be enough,” added Briggs.

“But this week has been good preparation to play against any side.”