Test opener

Not seen or heard much about Shah for a while Benny. Is he playing well this season?

I would promote Bell as opener with Cook, retain Trott at number 3 primarily for his resilience & steadying the ship should either opener get out cheaply.

I really don't want KP back: as good as he is, he would be far too much a distraction both on & off the field with the media for ever watching his every movement, quoting his every comment and trying to spin it in such a way as to fan the flames of disruption in the dressing room again.

we have a new captain, and with it a need to move forward and reward promising new players a chance to shine.

jack....

i get your point...but he's too good to be left out...

warney was a pain in the 'arris in his early days...but cricket australia found a way too accomodate him....

to the players i say...man up and get on with it...


can't help thinking,guys like swanny...love being a WUM...

until its there turn too get dug out...then they sulk....

shah got a ton recently just see him as horses for courses pick for india just like monty will go too.

junction....

I understand your point too, and you're right to mention Warney as a similar example of a "wild man" of the game during his early years. Thing is though, KP is pushing 33 and you would think that would old enough to quite literally "grow up" and be counted.

I guess it depends on the outcome of this planned meeting between him, Cook & Flower. If he promises to get a grip and put the team first then I'm willing to give the guy another series or two. But I can't help thinking he will be secretly lording it to himself that he is back in the team and his alleged nemesis in Strauss has backed out.

And Benny makes a good point regarding Shah. I wouldn't make him an opener straight away, he needs to prove himself first. But I would rather have him at 4 or 5 rather than having to keep on mentioning Bopara as a possible candidate.

i think you've nailed it...can the rest handle him being an ego maniac.....

it wld appear not......some of it is nonsense....making a big deal of him not taking a 'company' car......!?

the banter/arrogance is summat they shld be able too get past...

the 'tactics' for oppo however...now,i wldn't blame the players for not wanting him back/.......

In answer to Yorkie, YES i do watch county cricket actually - obviously far more than you do!! Hildreth is averaging 41.25 and has far better claim to opening the batting than some YOU mention as he has done this at England lower levels (under 19 etc). Hales is averaging 35.36 and arguably wouldn't be considered but made 99 only the other week in one of the one dayers. As for Carberry he averages 56.64 and has played before as opener and did ok. Any more for any more? Oh yeah, it looks as if Root is being talked about and for my view would be the best choice, me being a Yorkshireman and all! And I am surpised YOU are not backing him 'Yorkie'.
Said my piece and am going to watch some COUNTY criket....!!

oh yeah, and Compton was mentioned only the other day by Alec Stewart, someone who knows a LITTLE about openers!!

Cook
Chopra
Trott
Pietersen (Compton)
Bell
Bairstow
Prior (wk)
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Finn/Panesar

I reckon Prior will need to bat 6 in India.