Test Series

[duckmachine]

So, folk: sitting here watching the T20 game between Essex & Kent, my mind turns to the forthcoming test series. The England team almost picks itself, but there are a few question marks, particularly in the bowling.

Tremlett and Anderson will be in, as will Swann, but who else would you pick: Bresnan, Broad or Finn?

Seems to me too that England are lacking a quality all rounder since Flintoff and Collingwood retired.

Who would get into your pick for the test matches?

In addition we have to wonder what type of pitches we are going to get: lets hope that we get some nice pacy tracks with plenty of nip and bounce. Sadly, I suspect we'll end up with dry turners ...

 

[Rubik's Tube]

I am quite willing to be shouted down about this because I know the stats don't back me up (and he isn't even performing with the ball at the moment) but here goes...

I genuinely think in 2-3 years time we might be able to consider Broad a decent 'bowling all-rounder'. His century at Lord's last year didn't look like a fluke and he has the technique that should make him a strong middle-order batsman...

 

[duckmachine]

I'm a Broad fan too as it happens, but he does need a good performance or two to justify his place; he has to be under threat. I note he took some wickets for Notts. last week though, which may get him the nod.

Mind you many people would have dropped Cook last year.

One of the pundits on the radio (can't remember who - might have been Boycott) was making the point that Broad has not found his role as a bowler. I wish he aim to hit the stumps more than he does currently.

 

[stopmeandslapme]

I see Broad as an all-rounder with the likes of Bresnan and Swann providing a bit of extra batting down the order. Even Jimmy at 11 can bat a bit. I firmly believe that the way to win matches is to take wickets so would drop Morgan to make way for another bowler:
Cook
Strauss
Trott
Pietersen
Bell
Prior
Broad
Bresnan
Swann
Tremlett
Anderson

 

[duckmachine]

Well, Finn is now out of the picture according to the BBC.

Would be tough on Morgan to drop him given recent performances though: against SL he went OK averaging 56, and one of his low scores should probably be discounted as he was sent in for a slog.