19 January 2011

Prior ousts Davies and Wright gets lucky

The England selectors have decided that Matt Prior offers a better option than Steve Davies at the World Cup which is a call that it's difficult to find fault with. But the selection of Luke Wright, ahead of the likes of Tremlett, might raise a few eyebrows. It's difficult to see in what circumstances Wright might play so perhaps his fielding is a critical factor in his selection....it's tricky to see what else it might be given his ODI average of 21 with the bat and 51 with the ball.

Presumably Bell will open with Strauss and Prior will bat 6 or 7 rather than Prior opening...

3 comments:

Andrew said...

Actually, it sounds like Prior is going to open, or at least is going to be given the chance in the remainder of the ODI series in Aus to prove himself in that role.

Ed said...

I'm not sure I feel confident about Prior opening...but let's hope it's another inspired selection....

Perhaps it's a good omen if I think he's not cut out for the job - that's what I thought about Shane Watson and he seems to have come good as an international opener!

Dhiraj said...

The timing of naming the squads has made it pretty tough for each country to finalise their XV.

I'm not sure why the ICC insist on such a level of bureaucracy especially as there are at least 6 teams involved in 50 over cricket in the next few weeks. The squad lists could have been submitted one or two weeks later.

I think the selection of Prior over Davies is a result of this time pressure. Though I am perplexed why Wright is in the squad when Bopara would have been a better choice.

Also hopefully Yardy will not be batting higher than 9. Bresnan and Broad would be my 7 and 8, respectively.