Yorkshire skipper Gale slams England selectors for Lyth, Ballance omission

Yorkshire's captain Andrew Gale has criticized England for excluding opener Adam Lyth and Gary Ballance from the Test squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Gale revealed that Ballance was 'hardly treated' after his omission, adding that he felt really sad for him.

"I'm gutted for the lads," "I'm so disappointed for Gaz(Ballance). He's got an unbelievable record. I think he's been harshly treated, and I'm really disappointed with the ECB for that," Gale was quoted, as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

He further said he is glad that James Taylor got selected, but added that Ballance also deserved a chance to be in squad.

"I strongly disagree with the decision they've made. He's got a proven record at that level, and yet they've picked James Taylor ahead of him. As much as I love 'Titch', I think Gaz deserves a chance to get back in that squad and prove again what he did before," he said.

The 31-year-old, however, said that he believes in continuity, adding that Lyth has shown that he can perform consistently, therefore he should be included.

Ballance became the third-fastest England batsman to score 1000 Test runs before being dropped after the second Ashes Test .He also scored 165 and 91 in the Championship match recently.