Who do you think England should pick?

Question

Two, possibly three positions are up for grabs in the England side. The number three slot, a fourth seamer to compliment Anderson, Flintoff and Broad, and perhaps also the wicketkeeper.

England have named their Lions side to face the West Indies in a tour match, giving an indication as to who they have their eye on. The players named are:

Rob Key (captain), Stephen Moore, Ian Bell, Samit Patel, Jonathon Trott, Luke Wright, Tim Ambrose, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Sajid Mahmood, Chris Woakes.

Now some of those players (Patel, Trott, Wright) are not under consideration for the Test match, but are being looked at in view to selection for the World Twenty20. The others though, are all serious contenders.

If you were an England selector, who would you pick for:

The number 3 slot?
The wicketkeeping slot?
The fourth seamer?

It can be one of the Lions side, or someone else. You may wish them to persist with shah at number 3, or perhaps champion a return for Vaughan.

Answer 1

The number 3 slot?

Personally I would love to see Rob Key bat at number 3 and he should be picked, he's experienced and scores a lot of runs for Kent. Plus I think he's a lot more mature than when he last played for England and nearly always gets runs for the Lions squad so should be given an oppertunity.



However, I have my doubts that he will ever play for England again. I'm sure he'll remain ignored and they'll either stick with Shah in that position for a few more games (who really needs to start doing something as he's trying everyone’s patience) and then go back to Ian Ronald Bell. Who I doubt has regained any form despite his recent county run totals. He did a similar thing last year, went back to Warwickshire and got runs, came back and went down hill again. He's crap and had too many opportunities now, he just wastes them so the selectors should try someone else. Better not be Michael Vaughan though! he hasn't done anything for ages and it would be unfair on everyone else if he was picked for some stupid nostalgic reason.



The wicketkeeping slot?

Matt Prior. He's not the best keeper in England's reserves but he's a damn sight better than Ambrose! Besides Prior brings a useful amount of batting ability and can get runs and that's what England need in the lead up to, and during, the Ashes.



The fourth seamer?

Sajid Mahmood. He's getting wickets, has performed well on the Lions tour and if he does so again deserves a call up.

Answer 2

Chose as you wish - the way English team recently played in India and WI does not make me think that they have any chance of winning the Ashes. The current bowlers cannot do the job of taking 20 wickets, so I would suggest to pick 4 bowlers who can take the share of the 20 wkts needed. Flintoff and Broad gets selected and need to select 2 more bowlers or an all rounder - makes me think Harmison and Sajid. Who else you got to pick - pick a youngster who has done well in County cricket under seaming conditions.

Batting wise - they need to pick #3 either Bell or Shaw or Vaughan. WK needs to be a batsman who can keep.

Answer 3

I would pick Ian Bell, simply because he has worked hard in Warwickshire and got some form and confidence back, whilst Shah is having a holiday in south Africa, which i can't imagine is doing him any good. Vaughan is obviously regaining his form which is great, but i don't think its quite time for him to be rushed back yet.



Matt Prior has done nothing wrong as wickie, he has a terrific average for a wicketkeeper and he had a great tour of the Windies, so there's no reason for dropping him.



The fourth seamer, i'd pick Sajid Mahmmod, he seems to be doing well at Lancashire

Answer 4

Well I would pick the following



Number 3 : For me it still has to be Ian Bell as Shah hasn't nailed a place down and Bell is in form I think it has to be Bell



Wicket Keeper : As an Essex fan I am biased towards Foster but Prior hasn't done a huge amount wrong and we will need his batting.



Also do you not think the spinners position is up for grabs if Monty begins to bowl better? I would still go for Swann though. Is there a possibility of two spinners?



Seamer : This is the hardest one as I don't think you can throw someone new in. Mahmood has bowled well lately but for me it will still be a straight choice between Harmison and Sidebottom. I think for me Sidebottom, if he proves his fitness just edges it for his form of this time last year.

Answer 5

Number 3: I'd give Vaughan another chance, if he fails spectacularly, either make him change his name to Mike Brearley, in the hope that it will scare the Australian team, or bring in Robert Key.



Wicketkeeper: Matt Prior. As for the backup spot, i'd pick Foster. I'm pretty sure that a blindfolded monkey can do a better job than Tim Ambrose, which is why he doesn't warrant selection.



Seamer: I'd pick Sidebottom or Mahmood.

Answer 6

Robert Key for No. 3.

I'll stick with Matt Prior as wicketkeeper.

And I'll give Woakes a chance as the fourth seamer.

Answer 7

England should pick Harmison or Panesar, Chris Read and put Vaughn or Bell at No 3 maybe even Collingwood

Answer 8

Bell

Prior

S jones

Answer 9

whoever THEY feel comfortable with .