WAT England 'A' 2007: build up thread.

[Ernest]

Is Ed Smith still eligable?, if so he's a must IMO, Tom Smith of Lanc's is another possible, Foster will not get into the England side - so we have IMO to think of prior.

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Rachael

With the season under way it's time to start following the progress of the 2006 selections and drawing everyone's attention to the rise of challengers.

Well, I maintained Tom Smith ought to be seriously considered... and lo and behold.. the first time I look him up ona screcard he's doing just nicely:

Bowling      O   M  R W Econ  
  G Chapple 16   1 51 0 3.18  
  DG Cork   15   3 59 1 3.93 (1nb) 
  OJ Newby  18   1 44 3 2.44  
  TC Smith  18.3 5 52 2 2.81   
  G Keedy   21   6 56 2 2.66  
  MJ Chilton 2   0  5 0 2.50

See http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/count...ch/268057.html

[darksideofthemoon]

I think Oliver Newby has overtaken Smith. He seems more of a strike bowler than Smith and I can see Newby getting 50 wickets this season.

[pie_chucker]

Wasnt Smith dropped for Newby in Lancs previous game??

I still think that Smith deserves consideration, although he isnt a strike bowler as such he can still do a good job keeping one end tight and maintaining pressure on the batsman, something hopefully he will get better at as he gets more experienced.

[Rachael]

Broad is once again showing why Smith should be ahead of him in the pecking order:

Bowler O M R W 
S C J Broad 21.0 3 89 2 
C K Langeveldt 25.0 4 75 0

Yup.. Langeveldt struggles along, going for 3 an over... but Broad makes him look like Glen McGrath by going for a staggering 4.24 an over (not a typo, he really did get slaughtered).

How anyone can suggets he's any more than a vaguely promising prospect is beyond me!

[Andy Mellon]

A useful tool for identifying the top talent for the season end?

Peter Trego and Adil Rashid making the early running according to this (frankly, if Trego has succeeded in taking wickets at Taunton, he doesn't so much deserve an A Team place, but a bloody medal!)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...es/6614657.stm

[pie_chucker]

Originally Posted by Rachael

How anyone can suggets he's any more than a vaguely promising prospect is beyond me!

You are right there, but I've always maintained that Broad is 2 years away from the England team and for example will never be as good or sucessful as Harmison.

He still has a tendancy to bowl too short and wide and at the top level you will get punished for that.

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

A useful tool for identifying the top talent for the season end?

http://www.thepca.co.uk/competition-...l?comp=overall

That's the actual PCA website rankings list.

[Statto]

Tim Ambrose has made an encouraging start now he's qualified, a ton against Lancs I think and 251 yesterday, that said a lot of the keepers have posted some impressive scores (Davies Adshead and Pipe to pick 3 out). My favourite from last year (Luke Sutton) isn't one of them though, and has just notched up his 3rd consecutive golden duck. Gareth Cross is looking useful, and apparently was impressive in Australia over the winter as well.
Graham Onions looks to be carrying on his impressive form, Bresnan has improved and Yorkshire have a new Boycott in Joe Sayers.
Nick Compton and Adil Rashid look like they should be definates.
James Benning should hopefully make a strong push for the side.
Oliver Newby and Tom Smiths first class figures are nearly identical bar the economy, so despite the impression Smith gave last year it will be interesting to see who comes out on top at Lancs. Smith was apparently out of rhythm before the first game which was why he was dropped.
Essex have a top order for the future with Pettini, Chopra, Bopara and Alister Cook all young and full of promise.
Samit Patel from Notts has been quite proficient in his career so far, and offers some part time spin which has proved quite useful in OD cricket.
James Hildreth is now settling down at Somerset and should start getting a lot of runs this year, and Billy Godleman, who was mentioned on these boards a while ago is now getting regular first team cricket.
A final one to watch may be Somersets new wicketkeeper - Keiswetter - a South African whos qualifying for England. He's only 19 but is highly regarded and should certainly learn a fair bit in a side with Justin Langer, Marcus Trescothick and Cameron White.

[Ernest]

Originally Posted by Andy Mellon

http://www.thepca.co.uk/competition-...l?comp=overall

That's the actual PCA website rankings list.

Interesting - note Matt Prior is leading the fielders list.