No! How many chances do you need? Why not either give someone untried but in form a chance or just keep Bresnan in as an all-rounder as well as Tremlett? Ravi "flatters to deceive" Bopara ain't the way forward. You cannot polish a turd.
I would've brought in Tremlett and kept Bresnan but I guess they want to see Bopara and i'm fine with that as long as he cooks up another double century
Ravi has averaged 37 this season, not exactly a spectacular return is it? Not surprised by this selection but would've preferred James Taylor to be in there.
Bopara may go big but plays far too many shots in the air early in his innings for a test batsman imo. If Morgan was setting the world alight it might be worth the risk but atm it makes the 5/6 part of the lineup look rather soft. I do prefer the 6 bat/keepe/4 bowl lineup but if the choice is between Bopara and Bresnan, Bresnan gets the nod for me.
Im suprised by this pick, especially considering England's policy of not going back to players who have had their chances (Harmison, Ramprakash, Mahmood etc) - It shouldve been Taylor, Carberry or Alex Hales. Sad to say Bopara is this generation's Ramprakash. Fine batsman at county level, capable of taking a game away from the opposition but simply not consistently good enough against genuine world class attacks. He flashes outside off stump and opposition bowlers always fancy their chances.
This is a baffling decision! James Taylor is averaging at nearly 50 in first class matches and has just played very well captaining England A! Surely that puts him ahead of 'Ravi-how-many-chances-do-you-need-Bopara'?!?! The only argument for calling Bopara in is that he is centrally contracted. Unbelievable.
I would much rather keep Bresnan in for Trott, Bopara has proved time and again he doesn't have what it takes, England need to accept this and move on.
Much prefer to have seen James Taylor get the nod. Indeed there are a number of others I'd consider before him now. He's had lots of chances and hasn't produced. I like Ben Stokes long term as an option instead of someone like Morgan, but whether he is ready or has earned a go at test level is another thing altogether. And I am very biased as a Durham fan!
I cannot understand why England’s selectors did not take this opportunity to get somebody new in the team as competition for places is what will keep the incumbents honest. Sweet Baby James Taylor could have come to the middle with a guitar and given a better show than Ravi Bopara. You’ve Got A Friend, Ravi, and he must be an England selector.
