Provided it's Ambrose (nothing makeshift about his keeping Rachel) and he's guaranteed an extended run in the side then dropping Prior is great news. No real option but to recall Strauss (for the sake of the slip cordon if nothing else) and hopefully he slots back in at 3 and the main plus of the Sri Lankan tour the Cook/Vaughan opening partnership isn't broken up.

The continued perseverance with Anderson in tests is almost reaching Geraint Jones proportions in terms of misplaced loyalty. Yes conditions in NZ may suit him but you can say that about a number of considerably more reliable swing bowlers. Tremlett can consider himself yet again very unlucky not to be included. Agree with you Worker on Swann there really is no point in him being in the squad. If Monty got injured I'd be more than happy to go with a 4 man pace attack out there.

(Alan Richardson's in the Lions squad )