England team announced
For those that haven't seen it yet, the team information is on Cricinfo. Collingwood is in and Sidebottom is back.....Harmison and Broad miss out.
With the exception of Sidebottom who was injured, it's the side they should have played in the last Test. Unfortunate though it is for Broad, he's just not quite there as a Test bowler yet, and he needs to make consistent runs at County level if he's to be considered at number 6 as a genuine all-rounder. Ambrose has gone from above Flintoff in the order to below - quite right but why did it take a trial by Test match before they worked that out?
The team can't have any excuses about the selection now - it's up to them to prove they can beat South Africa. I'm looking forward to seeing tomorrow's action from the stands....as long as the weather holds out!
1 comment:
OK, time surely has to be up for Collingwood. It is clear that missing one game - i.e. a kick up the backside - wasn't what was needed. Gritty as he is, the man isn't talented enough to be in the side when he isn't playing well. He has to finish the season in county cricket - possibly missing the winter Tests to rest too. It worked for Strauss.
So, now that is settled, who to pick? My first choice would be Bopara as I am a massive fan. However, as an outside bet, I am starting to warm to the idea of Robert Key. If he were to come in and make a stack of runs he would be a viable alternative by next summer to captain the side.
Normally I am very against the idea of bringing someone in to captain the side when they aren't in it in the first place. I remember there was talk some year ago about David Byas coming in to skipper the side and I was opposed to that. However, Key is a good enough leader and is talented enough at that level.
Thoughts?
Post a Comment