Woodster
International Captain
At least with Swann and Panesar, who I think should be the two spinners selected, they are turning the ball different ways, so it's not as samey as playing Tredwell and Swann, despite them claiming to be very different spinners. I think ideally you would include an attacking leggie if you were to play two spinners, but not if they're not ready or good enough yet.I'd be interested to see England go in with 5 bowlers. Patel would be a bit of a hedge your bets and lose both ways selection in my opinion.
I'm torn on which 5 bowlers though. I definitely think Borthwick and Panesar should both tour. There's even the potential I think to pick those two AND Swann in exceptional circumstances. I think Borthwick will do well over there - he did well in the curtain raiser game against the MCC with the pink ball (two cheap 4-fers). I think having two finger spinners in a 5 man attack is a little bit same-y, but they're rather different bowlers and Pakistan have shown they're vulnerable against both these two in the past. I also think these pitches won't be as flat as a lot of people seem to think, these generally aren't draw pitches. Yes the games are generally a bit turgid but good bowlers will get people out (unless you drop all the chances like Pakistan did). A wrist spinner will be really helpful to clean up the tail, anyone else will struggle to knock them over.