Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike  One of the perennial sticking points we seem to encounter with any A team selection is whether to include two front-line spinners. |
My thoughts... in no particular order...
1. At least one frontline spinner should be showcased if at all possible, both to the balance the attack and as Test squads need spinners.
2. If we play five bowlers, two should ideally be spinners (as a second spinner should offer more than a 4th seamer)
3. We should be offering challengers for every Test place... so two opening bats, two middle order bats, a wicketkeeper, two seamers and a spinner are a minimum... but the other 3 spots should be reserved for the three other players who offer most as potential England players.*
My inclination at this stage is to back the following:
1. Horton
2. Denly
3. Shah
4. Sales
5. Bopara
6.
Rashid / Ambrose
7. Foster /
Rashid 8. Swann 9. Broad
10. Tremlett
11. Ali
I'm not entirely convinced by several on that list... but the guys in bold strike me as essential.
*The side should obviously be balanced... but (for example) if Carberry cannot dislodge Shah or Sales... he's way down the pecking order; and if Shreck cannot dislodge Tremlett then he's even further down the pecking order.... but in the event of an injury to Panesar or Swann this winter... Rashid going to be in with a VERY good chance of a call up.