Strikes me that we're in a hole.. and have no way out: if it were his batting that converned me I'd be saying give him until this time next year (which isn't actually that many chances to impress: no batsmen should face the chop on a shorter run than that); alas, it's the glovework that worries... and that's so pivotal to the role... I think the situation has to be under review already.

If we'd drawn or lost the opening match of the series and I were a selector I'd force Fletcher to put up his hand, admit a mistake and give Read the next two (critical) Tests. As it is... we're ahead... look the stronger team.. and don't need to even contemplate such drastic measures: give him 2 more Tests (that's probably 500-600 deliveries) and see if it's just poor early season form and lack of match practice or just a plain simple case of not being ready for the big time.

I don't see the argument for taking 6-8 tests to assess glovework: several balls every over thud through to the 'keeper... lots of balls every session give him a bit extra to do... and there's always a score or so of telling takes to be made in any innings - he's under the microscope pretty closely and has far more opportunities ina single innings to show his class than a batsmen might get in an entire series.

Upshot: review ona match-by-match basis.. but bear in mind that there will never be a better chance to blood someone like Wallace than during this summer's tour by the WI.