Tim said:
Well the selectors will be facing a dilemma when they come to naming the test squad for the 3 match series against South Africa.
Presumably Vincent will be out so do they keep Jones? or do they pick Papps or McIntosh?
Robbie Hart will be the other topic...he may well start the series against South Africa, but if he fails in the 1st test he may be dropped out for McCullum & that would probably end his international career so he will be gunning for runs & catching chances.
I think that while Richard Jones is a gutsy player...having Jones & Richardson opening could be almost too negative, Papps & McIntosh are also defensive but probably not as defensive as Jones is.
I'd like to see Papps given a go myself.
oh the situation is more complicated than that if / when Astle becomes available again, particularly if they persist in selecting both Cairns & Oram & if Cairns is not yet on song as a bowler........let alone to add Bond into the equation
they can not drop Jones if Vincent is out as this leaves them an opener short......personally I would not want to see Vincent Open again unless it is as 'cover', but I would like to see him get a run at No5 or 6.........
Richardson, ?, Fleming, Astle, Styris, McMillan, Cairns, Oram, Hart, Vettori, Tuffey
they may be able to get away with not having to make some changes for the RSA tour esp if Astle & Bond are not in contention, but the Engalnd teams will be very interesting.......
personally I think they will seriously consider the 'keeper as an opening bat a la Stewart to make room lower in the order for another bowling option.........
I know McCullum is now opening for Canterbury in State Championship games, but where did he bat in the order prior to his move??????? If they were considering using him as an opener at Test level then they should have used him as an Opener in ODIs and also probably introduced him into the Test team but batting lower in the order...........
I think Canterbury could well end up with both the Test & ODI 'keepers, but with 2 different players - Papps is the former Canterbury 'keeper, a specialist Opener & it appears he is still 'keeping in Shield Games while McCullum is on International duty........