If we keep the same team as the first test in Brisbane, I'm going to guess the selectors think it is...Assuming the firsts roll up as Mac, Mac, Guppy, Taylor, Ryder, Williamson, Vettori, Young, Southee, McKay, Martin....
I'd select (players I've seen play, so guys like Wells miss out)
Jamie How
BJ Watling/Peter Ingram/Craig Cumming/Aaron Redmond/Anybody really
Mathew Sinclair
Neil Broom
Tim Weston
James Franklin
Kruger van Wyk
Todd Astle
Michael Mason
Trent Boult
Brent Arnel
Okay, I only saw Astle for two overs, but he looks the goods and has the FC bowling stats over the last season and a half to prove it. Ironically I think his batting stats have gotten more consistent since he converted to a leggie. Seems to get regular 20s, 30s, 40s in FC now.
Thanks for posting this. I am looking forward to your company in the Zimbos NZ thread in January. Zimbos have a good chance at a draw as the game is in Napier.Zimbabwe:
1. Raza-Butt
2. Gavin Ewing(c)
3. Kevin Kasuza
4. Craig Ervine
5. Forster Mtizwa
6. Regis Chakabva+
7. Elton Chi'mbura
8. Graeme Cremer
9. Shingi Masakadza
10. Glenn Querl
11. Tendai Chatara
12. Nathan Waller
A draw will be good, but highly unlikely. A green top and an all out seam attack should be enough to blow Zimbabwe away.Thanks for posting this. I am looking forward to your company in the Zimbos NZ thread in January. Zimbos have a good chance at a draw as the game is in Napier.
Napier has never been green as far as I can recall.A draw will be good, but highly unlikely. A green top and an all out seam attack should be enough to blow Zimbabwe away.
I'd say that's a test-class attack and have seen far worse one represent England over the years. Looks a wee bit light on batting & has a tail like a rat tho. Patel, Davies, Woakes and Tremmers all a spot too high in my estimation.Selectors'' 2nd team, judging by the squads announced this week
Michael Carberry
Alex Hales
Ravi Bopara
James Taylor
Samit Patel
Steve Davies
Chris Woakes
Chris Tremlett
Steven Finn
Graham Onions
Monty Panesar
"1st-XI-randomly-died-and-there's-a-test-tomorrow" 2nd team would probably have Ramps instead of Patel, Keedy ahead of Monty and maybe Chappell in for one of the seamers to help with the balance. Foster might fancy his chances too.
Glenn Querl- weird action, but can swing the ball.Nigel, apart from Vittori, Jarvis and Mpofu, what other good pace prospects do you guys have?
Yes I'd be a tad worried about the batting in that line-up, but the bowling attack is worthy of Test cricket. Think I'd add the extra batsman in place of Woakes, which would leave me without a recognised number eight, but would rely on my top seven to score heavily enough, because the four bowlers should all be in for their bowling alone, and in Patel and Bopara there are useful bowling alternatives.I'd say that's a test-class attack and have seen far worse one represent England over the years. Looks a wee bit light on batting & has a tail like a rat tho. Patel, Davies, Woakes and Tremmers all a spot too high in my estimation.
Might be tempted to bring in another bat (Roy, Maynard, Bairstow or Buttler would be next in line using the Loins' squad) for Onions (Woakes's superior batting carries the day) or Borthwick for Monty.