Third Test: England v South Africa, The Oval, July 27-31

[captaincolly]

10 players in the team again for England,
Wasting the all rounders England are they really should be making better use of them and not pick awful picks like Dawson.
Even ansari in India was a waste of a pick.

That DT story isn't confirmed but I assume Nick Hoult must have been told it's what will happen. Reason he gives for Dawson retention is that they want two spinners at The Oval.

[westoelad]

Excellent summary by Dobell regarding the present state of English cricket. Unfortunately he doesn't offer any solutions

http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-s ... 11719.html

[westoelad]

According to The Daily Telegraph Ballance is almost certainly going to be ruled out with a broken finger and Stoneman will open with Jennings at 3. Wood is expected to be passed fit but could be "rested" while Dawson is likely to retain his place.

I'd go with that selection. Stoneman deserves a chance and was more deserving for the last test than a Balance recall. Doubt if Root will get his own way on selection again.

[rich1uk]

if we want a second spinner for the Oval then i hope we pick a second spinner and not someone who has been outclassed by both Moeen and Maharaj in the first 2 games just because he can bat a bit

[andy]

Rashid should be there, ahead of Dawson without a doubt!

[dan08]

Ballance is out of the 3rd test. http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-s ... 11853.html What a shame...

[rich1uk]

the broken finger for Ballance gives the selectors an easy way out

[dan08]

the broken finger for Ballance gives the selectors an easy way out

Sadly it means he could still come back I guess. Not sure if the selectors would risk it though.

[andy]

happy for Stoneman to come in, he is in form, give him a go..

[Arthur Crabtree]

According to The Daily Telegraph Ballance is almost certainly going to be ruled out with a broken finger and Stoneman will open with Jennings at 3. Wood is expected to be passed fit but could be "rested" while Dawson is likely to retain his place.

Interesting changes. Gives a tough debut for Stoneman (Robson might have been an alternative) with the potential for Ballance to return against the less potent West Indians. Not sure what's best with Wood. If he's fit, logically he should stay in. If injured he should be omitted. Don't see why resting comes into it, as a euphemism or otherwise; he can't be tired from playing. Regarding Dawson, if England want two spinners and especially if he is the lead spinner and Mo more of a batter, he needs to be given the series to show what he can do. He does at least have five wickets, whatever view is held of his potential.

[andy]

Arthur you make the point about Dawson, but Rashid took 23 wickets in India etc...he should still be there and IMO should be re-called...dont care if he goes for runs, leg spinners pick up wickets, theyre not picked for their control....we need wickets we dont look penetrating..and if you pick two spinners, Rashid should be there...

[captaincolly]

Arthur you make the point about Dawson, but Rashid took 23 wickets in India etc...he should still be there and IMO should be re-called...dont care if he goes for runs, leg spinners pick up wickets, theyre not picked for their control....we need wickets we dont look penetrating..and if you pick two spinners, Rashid should be there...

I agree but there have been a few stories in the press suggesting England have drawn a line under Rashid as a test player. No idea why that is the case ( assuming it is) but the stories I've read claim England will select Crane when Woakes returns to bolster the lower order batting!

[rich1uk]

Arthur you make the point about Dawson, but Rashid took 23 wickets in India etc...he should still be there and IMO should be re-called...dont care if he goes for runs, leg spinners pick up wickets, theyre not picked for their control....we need wickets we dont look penetrating..and if you pick two spinners, Rashid should be there...

I agree but there have been a few stories in the press suggesting England have drawn a line under Rashid as a test player. No idea why that is the case ( assuming it is) but the stories I've read claim England will select Crane when Woakes returns to bolster the lower order batting!

something must have happened behind the scenes for them to discard him after the winter he had

its the old cliche about spinners improving with age and just at the time he seemed to be moving forward with his game he gets dropped

[Arthur Crabtree]

Over the winter it felt like Jennings and Haseeb were the potential answers for England in the longterm future. Now they may both be gone halfway into the next series, as openers at least. Jennings has a Test hundred, at a tough venue (though has collected a few single figure scores. He got 33 at Lord's when a few of the press were praising Ballance for his... 34. It feels far too early to be moving Jennings from his spot, implying failure, unless at the request of the player.

Selection since the break up of the very strong Flower side in Australia 2013-14 has felt reminiscent of the 80s/90s. How many openers (and here's another one)...? How many batter-spinners? Why Batty? Why Ballance last summer when he could hardly count on getting into the Yorkshire XI? What happened to Compton? Why hasn't a single middle order batter claimed a place? Why was Bell retained so long? Explain Trott's recall.

[Arthur Crabtree]

something must have happened behind the scenes for them to discard him after the winter he had

That would effect his LOI places though.