Strauss in? Whose Out?

[Captain Applehead]

An article in todays Telegraph suggested that Strauss is in line to open with Trescothick in this Summers tests, with Vaughan dropping down to number 4 (maybe for the N.Z. tests, or perhaps the later W.I series). Surely this leaves Hussain high and dry on 95 (ish) tests and at the end of the road. If Hussain did play in this team he would probably have to bat a six (we're not going to drop Butcher or Thorpe (unless Butcher seriously fouls up against N.Z). If Hussain did bat six, then Gilo would have to miss out (maybe not such a bad thing for the May/June tests).

I would rather play Hussain for the N.Z series and see how he goes. If he plays well, than retain him for the whole Summer. I think Strauss may be better used to put some pressure on Trescothick to perfom as an opener. I wouldn't mind seeing Vaughan play at number 4 at some point (mainly because i'm from Yorkshire, and it should improve his average!), but i'm not sure that this is the right time for that.

This is a bit rambled, but does anyone have any views on the Hussain/Strauss selections?

[The Worker]

I think Strauss for Giles is a good move. Giles wouldn't bowl much in the tests and it would be a kick up the backside for Trescothick, that there are other players in the wings who could fill his (non-moving) shoes.

[Richard Jenkins]

I'm going to say out with Trescothic. Bring in Strauss. But I can't explain why, its a gut thing!

[Mike_Hock]

Giles will make way more then likely. I hope Strauss does get a chance.

I find it a little strange that Vaughan will drop down the order and Tresco will continue to open though???

[Rachael]

I'd like to think that Strauss would be blooded in the WI series later in the summer when he's likely to find the introduction a bit easier and be under less pressure.... but Fletcher seems to oscillate between great man management and being downright evil - so who knows.

I'm assuming that Collingwood is going to get into the team ahead of Strauss (on the basis that Fletcher wants to give a guy on a central contract who's played two tests without doing anything wrong a decent run to prove himself). That being so.. the Strauss as well implies Hussain out leaving Tresco, Strauss, Butcher, Vaughan, Thorpe, Collingwood, Flintoff / Jones, Jones/ Flintoff, Hoggard, Jones, Harmison.

I'm not sure that's the right way to go: I'd play Collingwood for Giles in the NZ series.. then go for a "B" team to play the WI in the summer, playing Strauss, Smith, {one from Hussain / Butcher / Thorpe}, Vaughan, Collingwood, Flintoff, Jones, Giles, Hoggard, Jones, Harmison

I'd then take the old guard and the new boys on the Winter tour knowing a bit more about the youngsters and feeling that after 8 or more Test innings the new boys will be a bit more ready should one of the old guard back out.

R.

[Mark Kidger]

This one got discussed pretty extensively last week (the thread reached more than 200 posts).

The consensus was to take advantage of the fact that Giles will almost certainly be surplus to requirements and play Strauss for Giles, batting him probably at 6 initially and avoiding throwing him straight in against the new ball in his first series on green pitches.

After that the view seemed to be that Nasser Hussain was most likely to be dropped for the West Indies series.

I am not convinced about Vaughan playing at 4 because he has had almost all his success opening with Trescothick.

[Teatime FatCat]

Whoa fellas (and lasses) let's stop this runaway train here! It's all getting out of hand. Leave the XI how it is for the moment, with the exception of Giles. Let's think about it for a minute. Tresco's had a bad trot, but isn't ready for the scrapheap yet. Let him start the tests against NZ as an opener and let's see how he does in english conditions. Leave Vaughan where he is, leave Nasser where he is. drop either Strauss or Collingwood into the number 6 batting position and drop everone else down one.

I'm a massive Strauss fan, and no real fan of colly (esp his bowling!) but he's the next in line. However, he's not a like for like swap if Tresco fails - then Strauss comes in.

we are a winning side - let's not jiggle the team around for the sake of it!

[Mark Kidger]

Originally Posted by Teatime FatCat

we are a winning side - let's not jiggle the team around for the sake of it!

Common sense? :-) Sounds good to me!

[Teatime FatCat]

Cat's are well known for their common sense (and for sticking their claws into your ballbag when tey sleep on top of you).

[Captain Applehead]

Originally Posted by Teatime FatCat

Whoa fellas (and lasses) let's stop this runaway train here! It's all getting out of hand. Leave the XI how it is for the moment, with the exception of Giles. Let's think about it for a minute. Tresco's had a bad trot, but isn't ready for the scrapheap yet. Let him start the tests against NZ as an opener and let's see how he does in english conditions. Leave Vaughan where he is, leave Nasser where he is. drop either Strauss or Collingwood into the number 6 batting position and drop everone else down one.

I'm a massive Strauss fan, and no real fan of colly (esp his bowling!) but he's the next in line. However, he's not a like for like swap if Tresco fails - then Strauss comes in.

we are a winning side - let's not jiggle the team around for the sake of it!

Agreed. Though would you not be a little bit tempted to play Anderson instead of Jones for the N.Z. series - green early season wickets?