Mick Newell has strongly criticised the England hierarchy after Chris Read was left out of the England squad for next month’s World Cup.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper ended last season as England’s number one behind the stumps, but coach Duncan Fletcher axed him for the start of the Ashes in favour of Geraint Jones.

Jones’ lack of form eventually led to a recall for Read, only for the selectors to then call up 36-year-old Leicestershire stumper Paul Nixon for the CB Series.

Nixon has now been named as first choice for the World Cup, with Read returning home without being given a chance to prove his case for selection.

Newell said: “It is no surprise at all that Chris has not been picked when you consider the way the winter has gone for him.

“His treatment has been appalling from the moment he was dropped at the start of the Ashes tour without even getting the chance to play in a warm-up game. If they didn’t want him there, then why take him?

“I don’t think he will ever get back into the side under Duncan Fletcher, but if a different coach comes in, then you never know.”