Winter tours 2007/08: Sri Lanka and New Zealand

[feverpitch]

I actually think that those two will almost certainly go (although Swann wasn't even named in the Twenty20 30). Put simply, there is no one else with a good case for selection (Keedy does, but can't get into the Lancs side), while Swann and Rashid have the bonus of being able to bat at eight without too many qualms.

Regarding the ODIs, Schofield has regressed slightly of late, while Swann has done very well in one-dayers, so I might now be inclined to pick Swann, if they continue in the same vein.

[Barmy Harmy]

It will be interesting to see how Monty performs in SL now he's had a bit of test experience. I think We'll struggle in SL although I expect us to do well in NZ.

[engssmoothcriminal]

Well with the test part of the summer sadly over I'd go with (assuming Flintoff and Harmison reach the end of the season intact);

Cook
Vaughan (c)
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Bopara
Flintoff
Prior (wk)
Harmison
Sidebottom
Hoggard

Shah
Ambrose
Tremlett
Keedy
Mahmood (Anderson for the New Zealand part of the winter)

Even though he managed to grind out a few runs against India Strauss badly needs a break from cricket and the winter off would do him the world of good (although I sadly don't see it happening) and it also gives us the chance of seeing whether the Vaughan/Cook opening partnership is a better more balanced option. Shah probably is most deserving of an extended run in the side (though at 5 or 6 not as high as 3) but at least for the Sri Lankan leg of the winter Bopara's extra bowling option gets him the nod to ease some of Flintoff's workload. One frontline spinner is a gamble but the lack of a quality spin option alongside Monty and the fact Flintoff can't really be trusted to bat at 6 mean it's our only real option. Keedy is a good solid reserve but unless the pitch is of the **** take variety he shouldn't play and the pace options is our best bet of getting the result.

You can't really take three conventional swing bowlers to Sri Lanka so the more reliable Tremlett sneaks ahead of Anderson as fast bowling reserve. And rather than give Jimmy another fruitless tour carrying drinks Mahmood gets the final place as I feel a couple of months working with Donald (who will hopefully get him to abandon his sodding slower ball ) will do his development the world of good. Ambrose is the England wicket keeping in waiting (and for a change as well as being a fine batsmen he is a natural wicket keeper) and if Prior flops in Sri Lanka then he should take over in New Zealand.

[darksideofthemoon]

I hate his slower balls.

[Trescothick's Footwork]

No Panesar smoothcriminal? Bit of a shocker that one!

Here's my Sri Lanka tour party :-

Cook
Strauss
Vaughan (c)
Pietersen
Collingwood
Bell
Shah
Flintoff
Read
Foster
Sidebottom
Hoggard
Tremlett
Harmison
Rashid
Swann
Panesar

I think they will be the tour party as well - except for Prior and Ambrose for Read and Foster. Maybe Anderson for Tremlett. I think with England's fragile pace attack we can't have less than 5, and obviously the 3 spinners as it's Sri Lanka. If I absolutely had to pick 16, then Tremlett would be out. Though i've been impressed with him so far.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Trescothick's Footwork

Rashid
Swann
Panesar

I can't see the logic in taking three England spinners - in particular Rashid, Sri Lanka play spin from birth, so I don't see that trio holding any terrors for them.

IMO it will just get Rashid of to a start is his career that he just does not need.

[adamberry]

Of course alternatively, we go there to find slow, turning wickets without at least two spinners, and find ourselves struggling for penetration with the quicks. I'd take Rashid, if only to be on the safe side.

I notice no-one's picked Udal...

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Ernest

I can't see the logic in taking three England spinners - in particular Rashid, Sri Lanka play spin from birth, so I don't see that trio holding any terrors for them [...] IMO it will just get Rashid of to a start is his career that he just does not need.

The third spinner would, like the 5th seamer, be VERY unlikely to get a game. It has to be someone who could play if an injury crisis hit... but essentially the selectors would be picking a youngster to be a net bowler and to spend time learning the ropes from the team and coaching staff.

Sure, if England were to pick just two spinners then Rashid would be a risky pick... but he strikes me as the ideal 3rd spinner... not least because he's actualy capable of batting at 6 / 7 if Flintoff and a couple of senior batsmen are out through injury / sickness!

I'd have no problem with the team suggested by Trescothick's footwork.

[engssmoothcriminal]

Originally Posted by Trescothick's Footwork

No Panesar smoothcriminal? Bit of a shocker that one!

I knew I forgot someone . Okay rather than replicate the Keith Fletcher Calcutta 4 seamers and one incompetent spinner (though Vaughan argueably just shades Salisbury ) experiment from 93 I guess Sidebottom is the unlucky one to make way for Monty rather than Harmison in his latest make or break series. Saj gets yet another A tour in which to look world class on.

[darksideofthemoon]

Vaughan thinks they might only play one spinner in Kandy and is going to have a look at Rashid when they next play together. If Vaughan plays in all their remaining CC games he will also be able to look at some other spinners as well.