FF - I seem to have got the stats wrong after 7 matches, however your example of key v Bell against Australia IMO looks about even.

Bell has a slighly better average having played 10 matches - but Key only played four matches against Australia.

Bell has made more hundreds against weakish teams, key has made decent scores against the likes of West Indies + Lara, and South Africa, and an average of 31 after only 15 games ( in to splits) is not bad.

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Ern

That is providing vaughan stays fit.

They did not do well even with cook in Australia - because there was no experience in the side.

There are young players emering adam you are right there, but we have to learn the lessons on Australia IMO, they have to be introduced with players capable of hoding their own in the test arena, and against the best opposition.

England trouble have stemmed from having to many injuries to senior players at one once (or personal problems), and have not selected seasoned back up in at least some the their places.

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Ern

Is Lara a bowler now? A quick nasty angry one at that?

Bell got a hundred in Pakistan with Akhtar bowling... He has not had the opportunity to score runs against South Africa..

Rob Key has one fifty against South Africa and an average of 25, hardly setting the world alight??
http://statserver.cricket.org/guru?s...lds=viewty pe

Look at my Stats Key may have had an average of 31 after 15 games, but Bell had an average of 43?? I really can't see how any arguments you make for Key over Bell stand up. In a court of law, the jury would have been out made their decision and headed off to the pub by now!!