Prince EWS
Global Moderator
It can't actually happen though because I was basing it on a fantasy world where McCullum can open the batting and keep wicket in Tests without hurting his back. He can't even do the latter while batting down the order anymore so there's no hope of him ever doing the double.but yeah that 4-8 looks really good we just need a solid opener to partner Brendon
The only way to get Franklin in the Test side at the moment is to bat Williamson, Taylor, Ryder, himself or whoever you select to keep wickets at three. As it stands I'd strongly consider batting Franklin at three - sure it's not really a natural position for him but I'd still back him to outdo Guptill or Watling there and it means you don't disrupt the good middle order structure that currently exists. It's not like it'd be ruining a young player either - it'd be giving another lifeline to a player who's been tried and failed in a couple of roles now but has earned another run based on domestic performances (and being an epic gun ). It could be a monumental failure but I think it has less risk and more potential return than playing a talented but completely unproven (at all levels) young batsman who averages 26 in the Plunket Shield there.