That would depend on the strength of the opposition: if the touring side were intending to play a full strength XI then the 'A' side had better include at least a few seasoned internationals. More importantly... the available batting options look less than inspiring.

A couple of years ago (say May 2004) the top order of the 'A' side could have started:

1. Cook
2. Strauss
3. Bell
4. Pietersen
5. Collingwood
6. Louden / Joyce
7. Read

That would have been pretty awesome... a batting line up ready to step into the shoes of the then 1st choice top order of:

1. Tresco
2. Vaughan
3. Butcher
4. Hussain
5. Thorpe
6. Flintoff
7. GO Jones

I suppose it's hardly surprising that with so many young players having stepped up a level in such a short time, the cupboard looks a little bare... and it's perhaps more reasonable to look ahead to the 'A' side of 2-3 years time as for the next crew who look a match for the established Test side:

1. Compton
2. Chopra
3. Bopara
4. ?
5. Yardy
6. Rashid
7. Davies

I'm sure some of that crew will disappear without trace as far as internationals are concerned... but by summer 2008 they really ought to be looking a sensible "2nd XI"... usurping the likes of Key, Smith, Shah, Sales, Clarke Louden and Prior (an Xi that really does fail to convince).