Squad for Oval test

[greg]

So if Hoggy is struggling with his knee and Harmison also looked out of sorts then we might as well rest them for the last game as it is a dead rubber.If we did that who should we bring in?

I would like to see Broad selected and given a taster of test cricket even if he isn't going to go to Australia he would at least know what he needs to be aiming at.

My squad would be :

Strauss
Trescothick
Cook
KP
Collingwood
Bell
Read
Mahmood
Plunkett
Lewis
Broad
Panesar

[flanflinger]

Intresting thought, but I get the feeling that Plunkett won't be back, and despite it being a dead rubber, a Test is a Test, and you should play your best XI.

However, I would like to see Broad though, and it might be good to try and get him in an England shirt sooner rather than later.

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Intresting thought, but I get the feeling that Plunkett won't be back, ..........................

However, I would like to see Broad though, and it might be good to try and get him in an England shirt sooner rather than later.

Even if fit I wouldn't have Plunkett back. Mahmood earned himself another go. Why change anything? I wouldn't select Broad at the Oval, it's not likely to move enough for him. Give the lad time, don't rush him.

[Victor Frankenstein]

Agree with Notts, i'd bring Broad into the odi's first and see how he goes before making a step up to tests. I do think that unless hoggy and harmison actually have genuine injuries then they should play, harmison especially needs more overs under his belt if he's ever going to rediscover his true form for more than just one match per series.

I wouldn't make any changes to the side, providing everyone is fit. If hoggy isn't fit then straight swap with lewis or bring in tremlett, unless anderson is feeling any better yet, i read he was going to be playing in some second XI games?

[darksideofthemoon]

Victor F - where did you read Anderson was going to play some 2nd X1 games?
I would keep the same team. Hoggard jarred his knee so I am guessing he should be fine as there are 8 days to rest before the next match. I did see Monty feeling his shoulder so I guess the whole team will benefit from the break. I agree about Broad being brought into the one day squad first.

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by darksideofthemoon

Victor F - where did you read Anderson was going to play some 2nd X1 games?

There's no way Anderson, even if playing some 2nd XI games, will be able to play a test match. After a fracture in the back, he needs to build up the workload very carefully, otherwise he will do himself another injury. It's a long process.

I'm of the opinion that Hoggard and Harmison should play unless injured. Hoggy won't feature in the ODI cricket we've got upcoming, while Harmy is still building up again after his time out earlier in the year. Maybe Fletcher will now be truly convinced Monty should play ahead of Dalrymple.

[darksideofthemoon]

Mongoose I wasn't thinking of Anderson for a Test match. I am desperate for any news of what is happening with him.

[Mongoose]

Ah ... a long way back for Anderson it seems. He was seen working on his action with Kevin Shine during the Headingley test. But it doesn't look like he's near to bowling off a decent run yet.

[Richie Benauds Love Child]

Originally Posted by Mongoose

Ah ... a long way back for Anderson it seems. He was seen working on his action with Kevin Shine during the Headingley test. But it doesn't look like he's near to bowling off a decent run yet.

Nooooooooo not someone else messing about with his action !

[Mongoose]

Originally Posted by Richie Benauds Love Child

Nooooooooo not someone else messing about with his action !

Well, his action did contribute to his stress fracture, Richie. He's trying to get his body and feet lined up to prevent a recurrence.