Time to sort some things out...

[Rachael]

Well.. we're on for another 1st class game and a chance to sort out a few things away from a Test situation.

The opposition looks set to revolve around some raw but exciting pace bowlers... all motivated by the thought that a place in the 3rd test is in the offering. Washington and Lawson will presumably be very much fired up... but Rampaul will want to prove a point. Not sure that the other bowlers (a quickie and a spinner or two) will fancy their chances... but you never know.

England's team is hard to predict... but presumably Butcher, Hussain and Thorpe will want (and have earnt) a rest, as will Harmison. Jones might get rested ahead of back to back tests. That would leave:

Tresco, Vaughan, Collingwood, Clarke, Flintoff, Read, G Jones (wk?), Batty, Giles, Hoggard, Anderson.

Only two recognised and proven top order batsmen.. both of whom presumably feel they need runs... and a lot of bowling that might lack penetration... but playing that little lot would lead to some interesting comparisons!

[Mike]

Rachael, I agree that, after two back-to-back Test matches, we should rest those players you mentioned. Your side is light on bowling penetration but the result of this match is not an issue. The Test side is unlikely to change so this match is to help Tresco and Read get some confidence. Vaughan has been unlucky so I'm sure a big score is just around the corner for him. I'd like to see G Jones play in the one-day series but he is not in the team. This is G Jones' only chance for a hit-out. Clarke and Batty are in the one-day team so they may get further work.

[Farmer Giles]

I see Don Talon is here as well!

[Farmer Giles]

I think I am getting the hang of it. Now I'll have to start training Brenda to use it, so she can edit some of my naughtier bits.

[Mike]

Glad to see you worked out how to complete the registration and start posting. Don hasn't posted for awhile. I think he prefers the full-on activity on the BBC board.

[Oliver]

Rachael,

I think it would be kind to give Hussain a chance to play a more carefree innings...rather than the grinding type he has had to play following the failure of our openers.

Besides I don't think its very fair on the bowlers to play a side with only two recognised bats. Its handy to have somthing to bowl at.

However, the premise that Jones, Harmison, Thorpe and Butcher should all have a rest is entirely correct.

[Rachael]

Yes.. I thought about putting Hussain in the list: seems a possiblity. Who would you leave out?

You could rest Hoggard and really put the pressure on Giles, Batty and Clarke with the ball.. witha bit from Collingwood to ease the load... but the danger, then, would be an excessive workload for Freddie who needs batting practice not bowling practice!

[CJ D]

What purpose do you think this warm up game will serve? Is it a chance for Collingwoood, Batty or G. Jones to stake a claim for inclusion in the next test, or just a chance for Read, Giles and Tresco to get some confidence up?

Is there any real pressure on the sides present incumbents? does the current management policy of giving people an extended run open the door for complacency?

So many questions .

[Rachael]

Welcome CJD - and good questions.

I think the key purpose of a "warm up" game in the middle of a series is to sort out matters arising from the early tests (e.g. Tresco not getting time in the middle) and (equally importantly) to give the reserves some cricket so that injury replacements can be made.

The next two tests are back to back: I'd hate to see Anderson, G Jones, Clarke and/or Collingwood come in having not played a game for a month or so!

[CJ D]

Good comment - great message board by the way - I found it thanks to your classy bit of mod avoidance on TMS earlier.