Spineless idiots those English selectors. Absolutely pathetic that. I think I might be physically sick, he's done nothing, I mean absolutely nothing to show that he's improved, I hope Johnson ends his already far too long international career this summer. Bopara must seething considering how many runs he's had to hit to get a place.Bell recalled for the 2nd test.
Worst in the world bar none.The English selectors are baffling they really are.
Bell, marginally, IMHO. Means he's the next in line when he's not really done anything to justify it. Sid can at least cut it if his back allows him, although that is the mother of all "ifs", admittedly.Trying to work out which selection is worse, Bell or Sidebottom. It's a tough one.
I mean Bell, who clearly has mental issues which until they're corrected make him useless as a Test batsman. He's shown nothing to suggest those issues are gone. Flat track bully and then disappears after an attractive cameos (if you're lucky) when it matters. I expect England want the option of more batting on what will generally be a pitch at Durham which has a bit in it for bowlers (but will still be fine for batsmen) - however picking a flat track bully isn't much use and it sends all the wrong messages selecting Bell anyway.
Sidebottom who clearly hasn't been fit and has repeatedly been picked too early has been called up with little country cricket behind when you have 4 seamers who certainly should not be dropped in favour of another seamer in the middle of a two Test series.
At least donkey Panesar was left out, but I'm sure that'll only be temporary.
Two steps forward, three hundred steps back.
Yeah, right enough and I've no problem with him not being selected given he's now had his card marked twice about his pie retention/fitness issues and (apparently) not had enough about him to raise his game, I just think Bell getting the nod is so safe and predictable. If he was cutting a swathe thru the CC then fair dos, but he's not.Admittedly it would probably be Patel as next in line if he was judged to be fit enough though.
He should have to score tough runs before being allowed anywhere near the Test side. England don't need another Ramprakash.Yeah, right enough and I've no problem with him not being selected given he's now had his card marked twice about his pie retention/fitness issues and (apparently) not had enough about him to raise his game, I just think Bell getting the nod is so safe and predictable. If he was cutting a swathe thru the CC then fair dos, but he's not.
England basically have this test to find an ashes line up, surely bresnan doesn't figure in that?Don't see any need to change the side, surely
Smith has but the others have only played league cricket and that's not the same quality as county cricket. Have heard from numerous people who're from the Caribbean that it's more difficult now than later in the season when the WI usually tour England. Makes a lot of difference. Is just personal opinion of a few though so don't know how true or not it is.How many players in the first XI have never played in England (including U19 and A tours) before, Nash and Benn?
Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul have toured multiple times and were huge disappointments, as was Jerome Taylor, who has not only toured England with the Windies before but played county cricket as well.