***Official** West Indies in England***

[Richard]

The way I'd think of it Joyce was nowhere while he was ineligable. He was neither behind Shah nor in front of him.

So, given that Shah debuted first, that means that Joyce leapfrogged him.

 

[Prince EWS]

The way I'd think of it Joyce was nowhere while he was ineligable. He was neither behind Shah nor in front of him.

The selectors would think otherwise though. And whilst we're talking of pecking orders, their thoughts on how things work are really all that matters.

 

[Richard]

We don't know exactly how they were thinking, though, because IIRR no-one ever said anything on the matter.

If you know of something, please do tell.

 

[Prince EWS]

We don't know exactly how they were thinking, though, because IIRR no-one ever said anything on the matter.

If you know of something, please do tell.

It's only logical to assume so, or no-one could explain how or why Joyce leapfrogged Shah. The only way to explain it is to assume it never happened and that Joyce was always ahead of Shah in the selectors' thoughts.

 

[Richard]

People have inexplicably leapfrogged others in selectors thoughts before now, though.

I refer you to Thy Most Detested Of All Batsmen and the unfortunate Simon Katich...

 

[pup11]

Katich is not the only unfortunate player, there is another man called Jason Gillespie for whom to get dropped all it took was a horrible tour of England in 05, and mind you Gillespie was one of the best fast-bowler of his generation.

 

[GIMH]

I dunno, Gillespie hadn't been on top form for a little while prior to the England tour

Is Pothas even eligible to play? Pretty sure he's still classed as a Kolpak, though then again Warne was calling for his inclusion...

 

[TT Boy]

I dunno, Gillespie hadn't been on top form for a little while prior to the England tour

Is Pothas even eligible to play? Pretty sure he's still classed as a Kolpak, though then again Warne was calling for his inclusion...

The Daily Mail in their weekly cricket article (a couple of weeks back) said Pothas is still ineligible for selection.

 

[pskov]

Cricinfo ran an article on thir website, might still be on the front page actually, stating that Pothas very conviniently qualifies for England just a few days before the first Test. Yep it's this one here: http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvwi/content/current/story/293891.html

Of course for all we know the selectors may well have been planning to pick Pothas all along. Seeing as he hadn't qualified for England at the time they couldn't put him in the 25 man squad, but knowing he would qualify before the first Test only selected two wicketkeepers in said squad, one clearly a 'potential' pick in Prior. But then maybe that's just wishful thinking.

 

[Neil Pickup]

Would explain a lot and I'd certainly quite happily go along with it.

When's the squad announced?

 

[Spitfires_Fan]

Tomorrow I believe...

I'm going for Pothas myself. It seems the sensible selection to me.

 

[Spitfires_Fan]

Meanwhile, Strauss is approaching a century and West Indies are 32-3 after winning the toss and batting at Taunton

 

[Athlai]

Meanwhile, Strauss is approaching a century and West Indies are 32-3 after winning the toss and batting at Taunton

45/4 while Strauss 101*

 

[Prince EWS]

West Indies getting owned by Steffan Jones - what a great sign for the upcoming test series.

And seriously, the thought of Chris Gayle opening the batting in a test match makes me cringe even more every time I think about it. He'll be there I know, but I really hope he has a run of outs for two reasons..
1. So I don't have to watch him for long in each match.
2. So he'll eventually do badly enough to be dropped.

He actually managed to top score out of the West Indian top 4 - but he threw away his good start by getting out for 24 to an even worse bowler than Jones.

 

[jammay123]

their 75/4 now

 

[pup11]

West Indies would have a really tough time against England,so the worst is yet to come for them.

 

[Spitfires_Fan]

West Indies now 175-4 - they seem to have opened their eyes and realised they're batting on a road.

Harmison's tearing it up at Chester-le-Street ripping out 3 top order Kent wickets. Get him back in the test team - quick!

Pothas out for a duck for Hants.

 

[grecian]

GBH looks good, but in distressing news, Saj has taking 3-52 of f9, the nightmare will continue on Thursday, I fear

 

[Scaly piscine]

If Mahmood plays ahead of Plunkett again... well... I won't be responsible for all those I maim.

Plunkett's form for Durham has been excellent.

 

[steds]

one clearly a 'potential' pick in Prior.

That the new term for a 'dire' pick?