Joe Root has backed Alex Hales and Nick Compton to answer their critics when England take on Sri Lanka next week. Both batsmen are in a 12-man squad for the first Test at Headingley despite speculation they could miss out in the wake of up-and-down winter performances in South Africa.Neither scored a hundred during a four-match Test series, with opener Hales averaging just 17 and No 3 Compton under 31. But the only change to the batting personnel has seen Hampshire captain James Vince come in for James Taylor, whose sudden retirement left a place in the squad up for grabs.And Root told Sky Sports News HQ: We see these guys play a lot, we spend a lot of time together as a squad and we know what theyre capable of doing. Selectors kept the faith with Alex Hales (left) and Nick Compton Ive got every confidence in those guys ahead of me to go in and make big scores. Theyll want to prove a lot of people wrong whove been doubting them, and its a very exciting time for them.Vince, who is capped at one-day international and T20 level, is likely to make a first Test appearance after a decent start to the County Championship season including a century against Roots Yorkshire.James played extremely well against Yorkshire a few weeks ago, Root said. Hes been one of the guys over the past couple of years who have kept proving themselves.Englands other uncapped call-up, Nottinghamshire seam bowler Jake Ball, has also enjoyed success against Yorkshire this season and twice dismissed Root during a Division One game at Trent Bridge. Who is Jake Ball? A look at Englands new seamer He did for me, Root said. He was far too good for me, and hes a very talented cricketer.England will face tourists who have had to deal with the retirements of Test greats Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara since they won a two-match series on their last visit in 2014. Jake Ball twice dismissed Joe Root during Nottinghamshires Championship match against Yorkshire But Root said: It would be silly to be arrogant and think were going to wipe the floor with them. They have a lot of guys with a lot of talent who could do some special things in Test cricket.Roots team-mate Stuart Broad added: There is a bit of revenge to be had.I played in the Test matches at the start of 2014 and that was a tough time to play. It was quite an emotional series, it really hurt us as a team to lose in our own conditions.We know when we play Sri Lanka they play with a lot of pride and passion. Theyre always in the battle and they beat us in that battle last time.Vitality is partnering with England cricketer Joe Root who will take on the role of Ambassador. Joe will use his passion for healthy living to inspire everyone to be active and make positive changes to their lifestyle. Please visit www.vitality.co.uk for further information. Also See: Vince, Ball get England call Who is Jake Ball? England fixtures/results Get Sky Sports Fjallraven Sale Backpack . LOUIS -- Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59. Kanken Backpack Sale . Parker had 26 points and eight assists and San Antonio beat Toronto 112-99 Monday night. "We won that game because of Tony Parkers aggressiveness," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "His juice; his aggression all night long. http://www.fjallravenkankencheap.com/fjallraven-kanken-classic.html .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Fjallraven Kanken Sale . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. Fjallraven Kanken No.2 16l Backpack .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. STOCKTON, Calif. -- Kahlil Thomas had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Rider made 7 of 8 free throws in the final minute to beat Pacific 73-66 in a Gotham Classic matchup on Saturday night.Stevie Jordans pair of free throws made it 68-64 with 48 seconds left and Jimmie Taylor added two more free throws to push the Broncs (5-3) lead to six with 21 seconds left.Anthony Townes capped Pacifics scoring on a putback with 13 seconds left and Rider made 3 of 4 free throwss from there.ddddddddddddTaylor added 14 points and Jordan 12 for the Broncs.Pacific (3-6) trailed by 16 with 11:29 left but had a 10-0 run to get within 57-53 on Townes 3-point play with 5:20 to go. The Tigers got as close as 66-64 with 55 seconds left.Ray Bowles had 21 points and Townes had 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Tigers. ' ' '