England tour of the Caribbean 2015, April 13-May 5

[rich1uk]

I think it's a mistake entirely to take him at all.

In tests Ballance has probably nailed his spot. In ODIs I can't see how he'd improve the team now.

agree 100%

only three ways I see trott back in the test side and none of them ideal

they drop ballance who has made a good start in tests and which sends a bad message imo

trott opens, which is obviously not his natural position

root opens and trott goes in at #3 with ballance and bell dropping down a spot, why move root after how well he has done at #5

[mikesiva]

England had better be careful who they rest...remember what happened the last time they underestimated a West Indies side? Chris Gayle led his team to a 1-0 series win over five Tests.

Back then, the Andrew Strauss-led England side was looking ahead to the Ashes, and not focussed on their tour of the Caribbean, and they paid the penalty for that....

[Arthur Crabtree]

Press reports are saying that Moeen Ali will go to WI even though he will be playing with a muscle tear that requires a month of rest.

Which is fine, as playing injured bowlers has been such a winner for England in recent times.

[Arthur Crabtree]

This series has gone from being a potential lull in a year of intense competition, to being an absolutely must win series. Not only are England not going to rest players ahead of a tough schedule, they may force injured players into action too. May it be that decisions like this being made now, will have consequences further on down the line?

[Arthur Crabtree]

Downton's future will be discussed at a WC meeting with the ECB tomorrow.

I first of all typed 'debriefing'. It's catching. Before long I'll be talking in pure Moores/Downton/Flower/Giles/Cook-speak. I'll be asking my girlfriend to look at the positives of the house burning down.

[hopeforthebest]

Why would you want a 15 man squad for only a three test series, surely 13 is enough? I dislike the system of taking players who will never get a game as they so often have done in the past.

[Arthur Crabtree]

They'll take 16. They always take 16 for a tour.

The Guardian is saying Tredwell will go to replace Moeen if needed. Which implies they won't pick two spinners in the team. And Woakes looks to be out, which allows Wood to tour.

[hopeforthebest]

They'll take 16. They always take 16 for a tour.

The Guardian is saying Tredwell will go to replace Moeen if needed. Which implies they won't pick two spinners in the team. And Woakes looks to be out, which allows Wood to tour.

If they're taking 16 then Onions should go, he's used to sitting and watching England play cricket.

[Arthur Crabtree]

There's a vacancy in that role now Woakes is getting picked. Onion's' days as a dependable bench warmer are sadly drawing to a close. Bairstow may provide some experience in the role, and maybe Wood will step in.

[Aidan11]

Funnily enough all this talk of Onions and Wood.

Rushworth was the Durham bowler in form last season. Not that the selectors have even waved in his direction.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England don't pick bald fast bowlers.

[hopeforthebest]

England don't pick bald fast bowlers.

So you recommend a talk with Bollinger?

[Arthur Crabtree]

When was the last time England picked a pace bowler without a full head of hair? They won their only trophy with an attack led by Ryan Sidebottom. Simon jones, Broad and Freddie have toyed with baldness in an attempt to harness the scary-psycho potential of the shaved head (see Chelsea fans, Nosferatu). An affectation. The comfortably off wearing the clothes of rebellion at the weekend. The current look of an England bowler is Woakes' selfie side sweep. Which is why it was copied by Steve Finn, in search of redemption. There's no data to fall back on with bald bowlers.

Fine for batters, so Lyth needn't worry.

[bigfluffylemon]

When was the last time England picked a pace bowler without a full head of hair? They won their only trophy with an attack led by Ryan Sidebottom. Simon jones, Broad and Freddie have toyed with baldness in an attempt to harness the scary-psycho potential of the shaved head (see Chelsea fans, Nosferatu). An affectation. The comfortably off wearing the clothes of rebellion at the weekend. The current look of an England bowler is Woakes' selfie side sweep. Which is why it was copied by Steve Finn, in search of redemption. There's no data to fall back on with bald bowlers.

Fine for batters, so Lyth needn't worry.

I have enjoyed this post.

[Aidan11]

Is it tomorrow they pick the side?


Can't wait.