Disgraceful abuse of their powerbase since the advent of 20/20. Nobody wants to upset them but most think it should be imposed upon them. If they refuse, they can sit it out until they decide to play by the same rules. Even many of their current team disagree with it but would not risk their gravy train by saying so. Dhoni really had to rein himself during the recent test series when they were getting the worst of the decisions. Just daft now. We do struggle in the shorter formats. 20/20 is a bit of lottery so we have a chance in that. But we always fall into the bits and pieces trap. I like Finn but he does go a bit! Tredwell is decent. Dernbach, just no. Patel is a decent one day batsmen but we try to hedge our bets with him. My one day team would be Cook, Hales, Root, Pietersen, Morgan, Prior, Stokes, Prior, Swann, Roland-Jones, Anderson, Panesar. You need two spinners and Panesar has more variation now. Stokes is my wild card. Hits a big ball and bowls economically. Has a great edge to him. Root can pick up the extra overs you need. Meaker is another to consider but still not quite economical enough. I do like his pace and skiddy action though. Problem is with our new commitment to protecting them from the rigours you are not likely to see Anderson, Swann, Pietersen, Prior, Cook with any kind of consistency.
Indeed, shame considering I the ODI scene might have changed for the better as far as Test batsman are concerned, regarding the new regulations about fielders. I don't like Monty, but he's proven he can do it when two spinners are essential, and ODI two spinners are essential. I'd be prepared to overlook his ineptitude in the other areas because we need a decent bowler. My ideal line-up would have 1 first-rate seamer, 2 seamers who can bat a bit, 2 spinners who can bat a bit and a couple of useful players like Root up the order. The problem at the moment seems to be that we have limited talent when it comes to multi-discipline cricketers, and keep playing players who aren't very talented in their specialized field because they can do a bit of the other disciplines. Well it's not working!
I had a soft spot for old Ben Harmison, thought he'd be a heck of a ODI player, but I think I'm deluded!
But I've seen Ben put together some good innings at the top of Durham's order, and he's decent with the ball too... Always thought he'd become England's Jack Kallis... No seriously!
He's got the same sort of power as his brother (ahhhhhh the 2005 Ashes rearguard ) but is more cultured. His bowling isn't as occasionally brilliant, but it's not erratic as hell like Steve's!
