Who'd make your Ashes starting XI?

That's looks a decent shout, I'd definitely be against recalling Vaughan without any significant runs.
& Bell may yet save his place with a few runs.
Otherwise only considerations are:-Flintoff, needs to be fit otherwise I wouldn't play him, and he's place too high a 6.
Sidebottom or Hoggard for me, the latter hasn't done much wrong. Certainly Harmison has too many chances.
Panesar - I'd go with Rashid, Panesar is a liability in the field. Though so's Cook with the butterfingers.

Well, there's Kevin Pietersen.

Then there's, er..... well, er .........

I'd have Hoggard in before Sidebottom every time and Ian Bell infront of Collingwood.

It seems a shame to keep Monty if he's just not temperamentally right. Amazing how soon Vaughan seems like a step backwards but Shah doesn't seem to fit in the dressing room. So, Swann for me and just about Shah over any other, though Bell needs dropping.

The issue these days with dropping people is now the pool seems so big that to drop someone means that's more likely it's curtains. A player like Bell needs to find the gaps as he can't find the boundaries, but he can't seem to find his own style.

England to lose the Ashes anyway. Their attack might be as good but they lack the will to win and deserve by play and demeanour to be the least popular side in world cricket.

Cook and Strauss to open, although I'm a bit worried they are btoh a little to lightweight, maybe have a look at Denly sooner rather than later, possibly in the Windies, as he will like the ball coming on like that.

Bell at three, he's class, and we've stuck with Colly for long enough.

Captain KP sticking at 4.

Shah at five. Time for Colly to go I'm afraid.

Freddie at six, and prior at seven. Prior had a great county season last year, and if he messes up his chance, give Jones another go.

Bowlers; We'll I'd seriously look at the state and situation of Simon Jones and Matthew hoggard. their experience of the ashes, and the game in gerneral will be invaluable in such an important series.

Broad will be in, his batting gets him in alone, and given his age, the experience for him will mean he'll be a world beater for years to come.

After this series, I'd have Swann in over Monty I'm afraid. His batting and fielding is far superior also. Monty has let himself down in the spinnners paradise of India.

People to give the selectors something to think about; Amjad Khan, Sidebottom, Harmison, Collingwood and Anderson.

Players need to be dropped, to go to county cricket, take some wickets, and get their confidence back up, as we know they are class, such as Collingwood and Sidebottom.

Other players need to be given a chance, such as Denly, who looks a great prospect for the future, and one that can play both formats of the game, and how important is that for consistency?!

Almost agree with the TMS team but I'd make a couple of changes:

Strauss

Cook

Shah

Pietersen

Bell (in for Collingwood - why not add an extra batsman as KP seems unwilling to use Colly as a bowler)

Prior (but only because someone needs an extended run in the team - any more mistakes or lack of runs will be exposed by the Aussies)

Flintoff

Broad

Anderson

Sidebottom (if fit - if not then Simon Jones if he's had some matches and is fit. If not then give Khan a run out)

Swann (likely to be more dependable than Monty who needs to go and take some wickets at county level and find some variation)

England will have to be at their best to be Australia, even with Oz looking beatable at the moment. The more interesting thing will be who will be captaining Oz when they arrive amd how the younger players will cope in English conditions for the first time.

Panesar is far more at home in England than abroad, so I'd back him (just) for next summer.

I'd also get Crafty Crofty back for the 1st Test seeing as he knows the Cardiff track inside out, so he will surely take a guaranteed 10-fer in the first innings as the Aussies are made to look laughably rubbish, collapsing to 55 all out.

Ok our opening is still one of the weakest things.

It is time to drop cook, lovely guy but come on, Strauss needs a stayer or a player to be his foil.

"ROB KEY" come on people, this is a leader, determined, team focussed and a great batsman. He may not fit all the politically correct images but then i remember the talk about Collingwood, now look at him.

Drop cook for KEY.

PS - Where is Mathew Hoggard and Geraint Jones

Sometimes you need something different not the same old players who have not performed since the ashes.....

Now lets see.

I would say Sehwag, Gambhir, Tendulkar, Laxman, Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Zaheer ..........etc

So my team would be:

Strauss
Key
Bell
Pieterson
Flintoff
Collingwood
G Jones
Broad
S Jones
Anderson / Hoggard
Swann / Panesar

Don't forget how Jones, Hoggard and Flintoff Destroyed Austrailia on many occasions.

This gives a long batting order which we need and will make the top order relax as it takes the pressure off, and 5 bowlers, 4 seamers, 2/3 swing bowlers and a decent spinner which we now have two off.

I believe that the reason England beat Australia in 2005 was exclusively down to their unrelenting bowling attack with Hoggard's swing and the 90 mph pace of Jones, Harmison and Flintoff. It was the closest any team has come to replicating the West Indies bowling attacks of the 70s and 80s. Not sure of Simon Jones' fitness, so wouldn't include him, but losing his pace and reverse swing has been a major loss to the team which hasn't been replaced.

The taller bowlers tend to do really well in the West Indies for some reason, so Harmison would be an automatic choice for me out there if he is match-ready which would probably mean that he would be match-ready for the home series.

My team for the Cardiff test:

Strauss
Vaughan
Cook
Pietersen
Shah
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Harmison
Sidebottom
Panesar

We don't have the batting strength to support a five man attack so only four bowlers for me with Collingwood asked to play a filler role.


Sidebottom
Flintoff
Rashid/Swann
Anderson/Mark Davies/Simon Jones

Forget Harmison altogether.

Batting - drop Cook to three and find a right handed opener to partner Strauss, I'd go for Horton.

Shah in for Bell at five and with only four bowlers and six batsmen bring back the best stumper - Foster.

That should do the trick, swing did fot the Aussies last time in England, look for more of the same.

Bagshot we did get pieterson, maybe we can offer them the same package lol, but soon they will have the english failure, its contagious.

Keysy into open for me. A quality act who can score big hundreds and obviously that would create a handy right/left opening combo. Bell has had ample opportunity to come up with the goods.

1. Strauss
2. Key
3 Cook
4 KP
5 Shah
6 Prior
7 Flintoff
8 Broad
9 Anderson
10 Harmison
11 Monty

What the side SHOULD be..!

Strauss
Cook
Vaughan (still a class act!!!)
Pietersen
Shah (instead of Bell!!!)
Flintoff (looks in form again so ok at 6!)
Rashid (Exciting spinner & allrounder ..!)
Prior
Broad
Sidebottom
Jones (YES...worth another go!!!
Proved he is still an out and out
wicket taker!)

12th - (Harmison-Hoggard-Bell-Panesar)

Covers all bases,long tail and last but maybe not least....no Bell or Anerson!!!! Sorry fellas.....!

Oh yeah and have that Pratt guy standing by for fielding duty just for the niggle factor!

Strauss - dependable
Cook - much talent
Vaughan - we need him back
Pietersen - obviously
Shah - give 'im a chance
Flintoff - yup
Prior - has done well enough
Broad - dangerous and can bat
Simon Jones - boy can reverse it
Hoggard - boy can swing it
Swann - more of a threat than monty

Has to be:

Cook
Strauss
Shah
Pietersen
Bell
Bopara
Flintoff
Prior
Harmison
Broad
Jones (Anderson, if Jones is not fit)
Panesar

Fringe: Sidebottom, Vaughan, Colly, Rashid, Hoggard

At least we all agree that this is the end of Bell. For those commenters who say he is class - well before this cameo of a 2nd innings his scores have been....

1, 7, 17, 4, 24, 20, 50, 4, 31, 199, 0, 21*, 8, 16, 110, 9, 41, 11, 54* and 25 in 2008.

An average of 36 - saved by the 199 in the summer - and he has still yet to score a test century when no other player has in an innings...

Even Rob Key had a better run after his double century before he was dropped.

I think we should say goodnight to his career - so much promised but no cigar.

Ashes XI

1. Straus

2. Cook - both been dependable

3. Bell or Shah dependent on the stage/situation in the tour. I can't believe Bell is up for question, a good batsmen and very sharp in the field although Shah deserves a chance.

4. KP - no argument there!

5. Colly - deserves our bakcing and confidence

6. Prior - just above Freddie in the order

7. Freddie - looks pretty sharp from this tour, although from the commentary, seems like he needs to tempt the batters a bit more. (Most international batsmen can leave 90mph outside off stump all day.)

8. Broad - a real prospect, should be given an extended run to find his feet.

9. Jimmy - when on song can destroy any attack in the world

10. Sidey - same as Jimmy

11. Swann - from this tour alone has made Monty look a bit ordiary, offers variety in deliveries.



12th Man - Harmy / Bell or Shah

To be honest apart from 1 seamer coming in for 1 of the spinners who have played here i dont think england will make any changes to the side especially in the batting line up. Look how long they stucj with strauss & collingwood during their poor runs, and look how long they stuck with harminson even though he had 1 good game in about 2 years. With regards to harmy i think he will play against the aussies. Why? Because kp wants him there and he will have had plenty of overs under his belt by the time of the first test. Monty, i also think will play. He does do well in england, most notably at ot, Why arent we playing there this year when you look at our recent record? Will vaughen come in? If he is selected for the WI tour then that will be his last chance, fail there and it will be over for him.

I'd have to give Rashid a chance instead of Monty. Sadly Monty is not a cricketer, he is a guy with a talent for spinning a cricket ball but everything he does in his game is all so deliberate. His lack of variation is appalling and he should be developing his game by now. Having seen Rashid a few times at Yorkshire, it seems he has a genuine talent with bat and ball, but crucially it seems he can learn!

Owais Shah deserves a decent run in the side at Bell's expense, otherwise we'll be playing the West Indies and before you know it Bell will get a few hundreds and find his way into the Ashes XI, where he will be again found out and this whole debate will begin again...

Wishfull thinking i know but maybe just maybe once again Banger would rise like a pheonix from the flames and save Englands Cricket........


No, oh ok.

My team would be


Key
Strauss
Cook
Pieterson
Shah
Freddie
Prior
Broad
Swann
Anderson
Sidebottom

With the old Guard in form and Waiting in reserve,,

Vaughn
Simon Jones
Hoggard
Colly

If these boys get some form (and jones some Fitness) we'lll be laughing

Strauss
Cook
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Foster
Swann
Anderson
Sidebottom
Harmison

12: Broad.

Strauss
Vaughan
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Rashid
Broad
S.Jones
Anderson/Harmison/Monty?

Vaughan has to be back his record leading from tyhe frot against australia is second to none

As England's unsung hero over the past 5 years, why does Hoggard barely get a mention nowadays?

A long way to go to the start of ashes series yet so who can be sure ...but TMS crew seems to be closer to reality than some of the responding writers.
I love Hoggard but do we really think he can do in 2009 what he did in 2005? No Probably not, and neither do the selectors.
Sadly the same goes for S Jones after all his injuries.
Either might play again (Hoggard should probably have played last summer at Leeds) but at the moment they are well down the pecking order.
Certainly the TMS team is likely to go to WI(Though Monty could be on thin ice and Harmison's previous record there may earn him a start) then we shall see...

Agree that it's time for Bell to go.

But Key has done nothing to warrant a return. He averaged 31.18 in the county championship last summer against some of the poorest attacks in living memory. The over-vaunted Denly averaged even less.

31 by the way is Key's test average; Cook's is around 46 and he is still only 23/4. It is nonsense to talk of replacing Cook with Key, although Cook does need to start converting.

Key's supposed leadership skills are an irrelevance, but as it was mentioned by one poster here goes. He led what appears to be a fairly talented side all the way into Div 2, and Essex were far more disciplined in the FP final - something seems not right at Kent.

I'd go for:

Strauss
Cook
Vaughan/Bell
KP
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Harmison
Sidebottom
A.Spinner

The openers pick themselves. Vaughan back in if he gets a few runs early on for Yorkshire. Remember , his county average has never been great yet he was once the best batsman in the world. I don't think the Aussies will like to see him walking down the steps as they know what he is capable of, and any player who the opposition don't want to face is, to my mind, worth a pick. Gives KP an experiences head to turn to on the field as i don't think his captaincy is of the quality of a Ponting or Smith yet. If Vaughan is dealing in single figures in the county game, Bell stays in on the basis that his experience and a test average of over 40 (45 in home tests, 37.5 in the last two years home and away, with no games vs Zim or Ban) outweighs the risk of having a test novice at 3 in an Ashes (Shah), although I can see the arguement.

Rest of the side picks itself. Prior has done well in India, Harmy is another bowler who, in home conditions, generates that extra bounce which can trouble the batsman. I'd have Siders in for Anderson as he offers something different and Anderson is too hit-and-miss for my liking, giving the Auusie batsmen a potential area for release. And the spinners spot is up for grabs (indeed could even go to Hoggy if the wicket looks like it will seam around, with KP/Colly/Vaughan providing options for slower bowling). Suspect Swann is marginally ahead of Monty after the last two matches since he has looked more threatening and can bat. Rashid needs another good county season, in my opinion but could be an option for the later matches?

My team for Ashes:-

1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Shah
4. KP
5. Bell
6. Flintoff
7. Prior
8. Broad
9. Harmison
10. Anderson
11. Monty

sidebottom misses out for me as I think that Jimmy is a more dangerous swingbowler and if it is not swinging Harmison's height and Flintoffs 'heavy ball' provide enough variety.

I think that Monty should be picked as he is the better bowler. I think he has be woefully underprepared - not his fault at all - and the ECB should look carefully at this is future. They were not prepared to pay 7,500.00 for Monty to play in Sri Lanka. Sorry, shortsighted. I know that money is tight at the momment but in a age where the test squad is equalled by the number of backroom staff I think this would have been money well spent and we can all see how Monty has suffered because of it.

It was a tough call between Colly and Bell. Collingwood HAS to be bowling or he should stop calling himself an all-rounder. I am stunned that when England were trying to stem the flow of runs in Mumbai that KP did n't turn to Collingwood or Bell to gently roll in and just take the pace off the ball making the batsmen do more for thier runs.


Finally, I think that England NEED to get their players involved in the Indian IPL. If you look at the approach of the Indian batsmen and their ability to press on - that was the key componant to their victory in Mumbai. Sewag's 2nd innings in Mumbai was the defining momment of this series and showed what confidence in the shorter forms of the game can bring to test cricket.

On the basis that we want to win the Ashes rather than build for a trip away next winter......batting needs stripping out - too much dead wood. Bowling remains pop-gun at best. Ergo...

A. Cook
M. Trescothick
A. Strauss
K. Pietersen
M. Ramprakash
A. Flintoff
N. Pothas
G. Swann
S. Jones
M. Hoggard
S. Harmison

Interestingly - last time people thought the writting was on the wall for Bell he went back to Warcs and scored a double 100.

Why does everyone rate Anderson? He is a great county bowler but not Test level. When has he ever won England a test? Bell has never done anything either. Yet we carry on with the same old team/results. Who is questionning Moores' position? He has now lost to India twice, S Africa & Sri Lanka. We played poorly against NZ.

What's happened to Simon Jones and Chris Tremlett? Both high quality for a country who deosn't have a lot of it!

Good to see Prior back in. Monty has to do something soon - not to win that 1st test after getting into that position was unforgivable!

Finally Harmison great talent but what a wet blanket! Send him to a shrink or drop him for good!!

On the assumption that Warnie won't have completed his England qualification period....

Strauss
Cook
Denly
Pietersen
Shah
Patel
Prior
Rashid
Flintoff
Broad
Harmison/Sidebottom

Well done TMS as usual, and nice to hear the real voices of cricket radio come through over the airwaves in the morning. Pleasingly, for this series, Pougatch's juvenile and frantic excitement was confined to his first and proper love - football.

If the ball is going to swing around, then Anderson is fine, but if it's not then he's a complete liability. Harmison is similar, but with the emphasis on speed and bounce of wicket instead. Personally if Simon Jones is fit again he's a shoo-in ahead of both of those.

Cook needs to get some psychiatric help in my opinion! World-class batsman convert at least 1 in 2 of their 50s to centuries, he is always getting out for 60 odd. Smacks of concentration issues rather than talent issues. I would however, persevere with him. I would however drop him to 3 if Vaughan is back, as a left/right hand combo at the to pof the innings is always good.

Bell is a lightweight. His record proves that fact. His only contributions this series have been two smart pieces of fielding! Vaughan has a superb record against Australia. Unless he is in dire form, then he has to return. Otherwise, then Shah deserves a chance.

Prior is still not the answer as wicketkeeper, the next drop is always just around the corner, and the thought of him dropping Hussey on 0 is too much to bear. His keeping against India has been mediocre at best, he missed a stumping chance in the last game. I would try Foster, or if Davies returns to form give him a go.

Panesar is to me the most difficult decision. He has so much potential, but is not achieving it. He really needs someone to sort him out. I don't think Swann is the answer in Test cricket, he did OK in India, but if you can't turn the ball there...Rashid may be worth a go, but he needs to bowl well at the beginning of the season.

So my XI assuming some semblance of form and fitness:

Strauss
Vaughan
Cook
KP
Collingwood
Flintoff
Rashid
Broad
Davies
Jones
Sidebottom

Why the support for Vaughan - don't get it - the guy has looked on shocking form and couldn't even get picked for his county. More sentimental nonsense.

if fitness wasnt a problem

Strauss
Denly
Shah
Pieterson
Bell
Flintoff
Prior
Swann
Broad
Anderson
Jones

replacement XI if fitness/form becomes an issue

Cook
Key
Vaughen
Bopara
Colingwood
Sales
Bresnan
Read
Hoggard
Sidebottom
Panesar

1. Andrew Strauss
2. Alasdair Cook
3. Owais Shah
4. Kevin Petersen
5. Paul Collingwood
6. Matt Prior
7. Andrew Flintoff
8. Stewart Broad
9. Ryan Sidebottom
10. Graeme Swann
11. Steve Harmison

There is support for Vaughan because class is permanent, form is temporary. Just notice Dravid from the last Test for an example.

I would go with the following:

Strauss
Vaughan
Cook
KP
Collingwood
Prior
Flintoff
Broad
Hoggard
Jones
Panesar

1. Andrew Strauss
2. Alasdair Cook
3. Michael Vaughan
4. Kevin Petersen
5. Paul Collingwood
6. Andrew Flintoff
7. Matt Prior
8. Stuart Broad
9. Graeme Swann
10. Ryan Sidebottom / Jimmy Anderson
11. Steve Harmison

My team is based on the winning formula of 2005. Swann can take the Giles role and Aus are historically susceptible to off spin. Anderson and Sidebottom will fight it out for Hoggards role. Harmison and Flintoff will again provide hostility. My worries are that Broad needs to develop an extra yard of pace, and that Collingwood must start firing from the next test in WI. Otherwise Bell / Shah should slot in at 6

1 Strauss
2 Cook
3 Shah
4 Pietersen
5 Collingwood
6 Flintoff
7 Prior
8 Broad
9 Swann
10 Harmison
11 Anderson

Strauss
Cook
Vaughan
KP
Shah
Prior
Flintoff
Broad
Harmison
Anderson
Panesar

However if Monty does not find any form before the Ashes i would not hesitate to pick Swann instead to bat and 8 and then Sidebottom could be brought in for Broad as he is the better bowler. If Bell and Collingwood play, as 2 of our 5 front line batters - we will not win the Ashes

On the whole a reasonable selection.

A big responsibility for Shah at 3 (maybe Vaughan form depending?).

I also don't believe despite their successess against New Zealand that an attack of Anderson, Sidebottom & Broad works that well as it lacks pace (although of course there is Flintoff.)

2 of the 3 yes so I would replace one of these with Harmison or Simon Jones (if fit)

1 Strauss
2 Cook
3 Shah
4 Pietersen
5 Collingwood
6 Flintoff
7 Prior
8 Broad
9 Swann
10 Harmison/Jones
11 Anderson/Sidebottom

I'd go for:

1. Andrew Strauss
2. Alistair Cook
3. Rob Key
4. Kevin Pietersen
5. Owais Shah
6. Matt Prior
7. Andrew Flintoff
8. Stuart Broad
9. Graeme Swann
10. Ryan Sidebottom
11. Steve Harmison

Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard and James Anderson next in line.

I think people here are missing the point! England's record over the last few years has been sketchy at best and this is due in no small part with our obsession with the Ashes. When we won the Ashes in 2005 it was on the back of a winning streak against WI (twice), New Zealand and South Africa. Right now our priority has just got to be getting back to winning ways - full stop.

As far as the team for the Windies goes, I would resist the temptation to make wild changes. I can't believe people are talking about bringing back Vaughan - on what form? No doubt he is a class player when at his best but I would ask him to get some county runs next year before considering him for England. It is possible to bring a player in immediately before the Ashes, especially one of Vaughan's pedigree, look at when Pietersen made his debut. Anyway, all of this is entirely dependent on Vaughan finding some serious form. At the moment, Shah must be wondering what he has to do to get a game! I would get him in the side, probably in place of Bell. Bell is a class player, no doubt, but I think the drop may do him good. After all, no player should be an immediate selection. Australia dropped Clarke after about a season and look what a player he has become subsequently.

Bowling-wise, I think the selectors should keep faith with Panesar. He is short of form at the moment but when he finds some confidence, which will only come through bowling lots of overs, he is surely the most dangerous spinner England have. Swann performed well in India and should definately tour, after all it is good to have some competition in a postition that is traditionally weak for England. I'm just not sure he is the match-winner that Panesar potentially is. This can still work, look at Giles '05, dependable and giving great depth t the batting, but depends on he seamers taking most of the wickets. The seamers were on fire in '05, they've not been the same since so I think that the spinner has to be a proper wicket-taking option.

Finally, I would have Sidebottom back in the side as soon as he is fit, he recnt record has been phenomenal. Harmison still has a future with England, I think people just need to accept that he is a mercurial type - just the nature of the beast. With careful management, he is one of our most dangerous weapons.

Team to face Windies:

1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Shah
4. Pietersen
5. Collingwood
6. Flintoff
7. Prior
8. Broad
9. Anderson
10. Sidebottom
11. Panesar

Phew!

I notice Harmison has crept in to a few teams - I

Come on you guys! Stop with the Rob Key stuff!!! Is this some sort of internet joke a la rickrolling?

The guy couldn't cut it at international level. He's a great county player and like lots of other superb pros, he couldn't step up. I'm thinking Hick, Ramprakash, Adams, Knight, Larkins, Fairbrother....

He had a 26 test innings and averaged 31... but if you take away the games against Zimbabwe and the lamentable West Indies attack, he averages 21; which is pretty poor.

My team would be:

Strauss (need a replacement but currently none better)

Cook (loads of talent , still to see the best)

Shah (natural talent; deserves chance)

Pietersen (natch)

Bell (instead of Collingwood but only if in form, maybe try Bopara)

Flintoff (natch)

Prior (keeping is OK, but most likely to score runs in English conditions.)

Broad (good competitor, steady, fit and useful runs)

Sidebottom (accurate and uses swing, should be good in Cardiff)

Harmison (depending on form and pitch report - only play if quicker pitch with bounce - replace with Anderson)

Panesar (always been effective in English conditions)

12th man - Collingwood

My team would be

1. A Strauss
2. A Cook
3. K Pietersen
4. Bopara
5. Collingwood
6. Flintoff
7. Prior
8. Rashid
9. Broad
10. Anderson
11. Harmison


I think Bopara has the most talent of any English batsman in a long time, and needs games to bed is place in the team. I would have had him in the starting XI in India over Bell. Also Rashid as a leggy needs to be introduced sooner rather than later. As a leggy he can bring much variation to the spin department. Panesar looks like he needs a summer lpaying county cricket to rediscover his touch. Also Rashid is averaging 31 with the bat for Yorkshire, looks like he can handle a bat - something Monty cannot claim!

Just to continue... I would not be so sure he will feature. Pietersen's loss of patience with him has been far more ruthlessly acted upon than anything Vaughan did. Rather, if he stays fit, Simon Jones would come in and form an opening attack of himself and Anderson, with Broad and Flintoff at first change. Equally, could switch Broad and Jones using the contrast in style to keep the Aussies guessing. The there is the spin issue - Monty will have to improve markedly, otherwise Swann or Rashid for that berth. Also, Shah for Bell and Foster for Prior. Collingwood stays by the skin of his teeth.

Strauss
Cook
Pietersen
Shah
Collingwood
Flintoff
Swann
Foster
Broad
Anderson
Jones

My Ashes XI - although I think it's a bit ealry... the time to pick is 2 weeks before the first test.... after all who at this point in 2004 would have had KP as a shoe in for the 2005 team? He came late with a superb spell in one day cricket and a good start to the first class season.

Let's hope there is another Tresko or KP like fugure ready to burst through like that... but if not...

1. Strauss - Steady Eddie, experienced test batsman

2. Vaughan - Still technically our best opening bat. Has a good record against the Aussies and has a real role to play... but opening NOT at 3.

3. Shah - Genuine, genuine talent. How he's not already established himself is beyond me. Better than Bell.

4. KP - As if I need to explain why?

5. Cook - Why so low? Because I'm a firm believer that when you have stylish stroke players at 4 and 5 and big hitters at 6 and 7 you need someone at 5 who can dig in and re-establish a foundation if the innings is floundering. Cook is a solid player and taking him away from the top of the order may just allow him to flourish into a world class batsman.

6. Flintoff - It's as simple as this really - if Freddie is fit and firing with both bat and ball we can win the Ashes - if he's not we can't.

7. Prior - Okay so he isn't a world class keeper - but nor are the others. He's a run scorer and a quick run scorer and that could be vital.

8. Broad - Useful runs and although not 100% yet with the ball - this will be a great experience to hold him in good stead.

9. Rashid - Monty would cost us against the Aussies. They'd see Swann as an average plodder that they could smack around. Ashid is going to be a top bowler. Get him in there.

10. Anderson - Swings the ball - that is what undid the Aussies in 2005 (albeit a lot of reverse swing)

11. Harmison - If I'm picking a team to start the first test then he's in because there is no real alternative (out and out hit the pitch seamer) and therefore he's worth the risk.

Well Bell had not kept his end up- so we sahll have to send him back to Warwick to score zillions of runs for us.

If Harmy gets more overs with Durham then he needs picking- Edgbaston last yr was proof of that- and until Monty can dominate batters with the mind he needs time to get back on song.

so I think that means Strauss, KP, Flintoff Broad, Prior, Anderson, Harmy(dependent on overs) Adil at old trafford- Swann elsewhere. As for Batters- how good is cook? Do we need a right left opening combo- that doesn't mean Vaughan KP needs more time at the helm before bringing the big 'V' back - colly is lucky still to be picked- so perhaps shah and bopara?

anyone who thinks Ryan Sidebottom has the class to dismiss Ricky Ponting, Matt Hayden and Mike Hussey has something wrng with them. same goes for Anderson

Strauss
Cook
Shah
KP
Colly
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Swann/Rashid
Harmison
Jones

and where is Simon Jones in everyone's team?!

Tricky one, especially with two series against the Windies coming up before we even look at the Aussies (I hope we're not having our heads turned, here).

I'd go for:

Strauss
Cook
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Harmison
Panesar

Sidey's time has come and gone. He's good but not quite good enough. I'd have him in as 12th man. Collingwood's only kept his place because I don't see many replacements (Key - plainly not good enough. Averages low 30s in Test Cricket. Take out his double hundred against one of the worst West Indies bowling attacks ever seen and it's in the 20s. It's not because he's a little overweight that I'm saying that but because he's a leg-sided strangler - he can't hit it through the off side). I don't like keeping Strauss as it means no-one sets the tone at the top of the innings (he's admitted himself that he's not going outside his comfort zone anymore, which means the runs he gets are incredibly slow) but there are no other openers aside from Vaughan and I don't see him coming back.

Basically, we have a half-decent side but if we get any injuries we could be in trouble.

Foster has to come in with his steely determination and his superb glovework i am totally surprised he has not yet had a recall after his last three seasons of consistent performances. Bring Shah in for Bell too, as I would like to see Shah to number 3.

I wuld actually go back to the bowling attack of 05' as Jones had a great season last year, Hoggy looked good after he was dropped and if not Harmison then go for Tremlett.

Siders will have a job at some point of the series, but it would be him or Jones for me.

Like Broady, but give him time as he will certainly be world class, possible even making it as an all rounder - and I really dont rate Anderson at all in any shape - so I really dont know what the big fuss is about him really. I would also chose either Vaughan/Colly as a number 5 batsman - but I like the fact that Colly will ground out runs when needed, whereby i think Vaughan will look elegant but he is very much hit and miss and since 05' has been a lot more miss than hit.

1. Denly
2. Cook
3. Bell
4. Vaughan
5. Pietersen
6. Pothas
7. Flintoff
8. Broad
9. Anderson
10. Harmison
11. Panesar

Strauss and Collingwood would get tortured by the Aussie bowlers. If Bell got rid of his ridiculous, lazy dismissals he would be world class.

Pothas is the most balanced keeper-batsman combo. Panesar will be a threat in England with the extra bounce.

PS im not a Hampshire fan

Got to keep Harmison in for Windies tour considering thats where he really announced himself. If he can replicate that kind of form then he has to play in the ashes. Also I like Broad's attitude as well as his batting and I think he has potential to rise to occassion which is a good sign in a team that tends to crumble when the pressure is on. Bell is prime example of this so someone else needs trying out. Rashid definitely should be given a run out against WI as he looks a real talent and I'd take an average leg spinner over an average off spinner any day, plus Rashid can bat. Therefore my team for WI would be:

Strauss
Cook
Shah
KP
Colly
Fred
Prior
Broad
Rashid
Sidebottom/Jones/Jimmy
Harmison

As the Aussies do we should view all other tests as prep for the Ashes and really make the most of a tour against an average team where we can gain confidence and experience whilst blooding some youth. Hopefully the ashes will be coming home.......

Such puzzlement!

Assuming that we need to select a realistic team, and not some fiendishly good, but unselectable team (think a naturalised Warne?) I would suggest the following test team to face the fearsomeish Aussies.

1. Strauss:
TWO centuries in India. Class.

2. Cook:
Quickest to six centuries (I think...)

3. Pietersen
Tough one. I think we have to drop Bell, send him back to county cricket, and then play him at 6 at some point in the future. Check the stats. He is not a number three. So I pick Pietersen. Why? Well, your three needs to be able to face fast bowling with a sound defence, yet attack if necessary. Pietersen's qualified...

4. Collingwood:
(But give him a clip round the ear, and tell him to score pretty centuries when your career is not threatened. Plus, if we are 10-2, who else would you want to stodge it for a bit?)

5. Shah
I am dubious about this fellow. But give him a series lower down the order where he has licence to play a bit. I envisage him as the sort-of-English-Yuvraj-Singh player.

6. Flintoff

7. Prior
Rejuvenated gloveman. Put Foster on standby. No Essex bias for me, oh no.

8. Broad
Go on. Give him a chance.

9. Sidebottom
Ah, my Hoggard replacement man! The gnarled county pro who can swing the ball reliably! Keep him. And treasure him.

10.
Harmison
But give him some overs at Durham.

11. Panesar
In English conditions, Panesar has been wonderful. So pick him. But select Swann for the ODI's.

And a few observations: The opening pair feels a bit samey. But its the best we have. Ideally, I would like a big butch bully to open with Strauss. Think Hayden or Smith. Or Trescothick. This means an emphatic NO to Key. He averages 31. Or something. And Vaughan? Nope. He will rock the boat methinks.

Comments?

1. A. Strauss - Good tour in India
2. A. Cook - Needs to convert his 50's, but still one of the best England has
3. O. Shah/I. Bell (Both quality, but haven't shown lately)
4. K. Pietersen - obvious choice
5. R. Bopara - All-rounder, gives options
6. A. Flintoff - The ultimate all-rounder
7. J. Foster/M. Prior - Neither wonderful behind the stumps, but useful with a bat
8. S. Broad - Natural talent
9. J. Anderson - Aggresive pace bowler, should be good on a hard, bouncy wicket
10. R. Sidebottom - Just sneaks ahead of Harmison because of ability to swing the ball
11. M. Panesar/G. Swann/ - Panesar lacking form, but great at home usually, Swann has lots of variation, tricky looking bowler after India.

12. Collingwood - Lacking form at the moment, but is always useful.

Names to consider: Chris Read, Steve Harmison, Amjad Khan, Simon Jones, Liam Plunkett, Sajid Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick

I would go with:

Strauss
Vaughan
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Anderson
Harmison
Panesar

I'd go with Vaughan as I think the Aussies will dismiss Cook far to easily with Mitchell Johnson bowling outside off stump where Cook has a clear weakness. Bell seems to struggle against the Aussies and Shah seems to get runs all the time definate choice for me. Harmison or Sidebottom depending on the pitch, but Harmison is a better choice for me as he can bully the Aussies like he did in 2005 and I'd stick with Monty, he's had one bad tour which is because he hadn't played for 3 months, stick with him and he will be back to his usual spinning commical self.

My initial squad for the Ashes (which is quite a long way off yet) looks like this;

1) Strauss
2) Cook
3) Vaughan
4) Pieterson
5) Shah
6) Flintoff
7) Foster
8) Rashid
9) Broad
10) Sidebottom
11) Harmison

12) Bell
13) Hoggard

My reason for this side are that I believe that Vaughan still has test pedigree about him where as Colly looks all at sea, I know he's a fighter but so are the others selected.

Shah deserves his chance having been the best English batter in County Cricket for the past 2 seasons.

I have gone for Foster as he is a better 'keeper and with Rashid and Broad at 8 and 9 the depth is there to score the runs required by the lower order.

Bell & Hoggard deserve to be in the squad as they have the experience should they be required to 'do a job'.
As for the bowling...It is a four pronged pace attack with variation and Rashid provides the quality of a spinner who can turn the ball both ways.

Cheers

P.S. Merry Xmas

Picking a team for the Ashes now? A bit premature, surely. Anything can happen between now and then...form, fitness etc etc. Where, for example, was Strauss 6 months ago? Nowhere; and now he's getting 100% backing from all sides. Secondly, deciding that people should be ditched on the basis of a lacklustre performance in India is a little silly - this tour happened with no opportunity for many players to play themselves into form, or even to acclimatise properly, and you can certainly say that of Panesar and Bell, who's also hjaving a Strauss-like run of bad form. And finally, picking a team for next summer should take into account British conditions, pitches that predominantly favour swing bowling. Having said all that, though, some players, for me, are either past their sell-by date or no longer the best choice, whatever the conditions: I wouldn't pick Colly, Vaughan (unless he has a massive return to form) or Prior again, and would be selecting Shah and James Foster every time. We have a great stable of seam bowlers, and surely it's a question of form, fitness and conditions...in about 5 months time, though. Not now!

Isn't this the same team that got stuffed by South Africa. (apart from Shah)

Didn't Harmison make the difference in the last test, during his massive contribution to Durham winning the championship.

Last time Harmison went to the West Indies he became Nr 1 in the world.

Didn't Andersons short wide bowling at Sehwag set up the Indian win in the first test.

My team would be:

Strauss (c)
Denly
Cook
Pietersen
Shah
Flintoff
Prior (wkt)
Rashid
Broad
Sidebottom
Anderson

1. Strauss Bt
2. Cook Bt
3. Shah Bt
4. KP Bt Bl
5.Bopara Bt Bl
6. Bell Bt
7. Prior Wk. Bt
8. Flintoff Bl Bt
9. Rashid Bl Bt
10. Broad Bl Bt
11. Sidebottom Bt

my team would be

1. Strauss (legend)

2. Cook (just ahead of Rob Key)

3. Bell (give the guy a break. if colly gets in the TMS side why shouldn't Bell?)

4. KP. (enough said)

5. Colly (wants it more than anyone else and his fielding is a bonus)

6. Freddie (if the big man is fit)

7. Foster (who seriously thinks Prior is an international wicket keeper batsman)

8. Broad (future star)

9. Rashid (give the kid his chance in the spring and he could suprise a few people)

10. Jimmy A (needs to work a bit harder to cement his place for certain with a host of players knocking on the door)

11. Sidebottom (essential in England. uses the conditions well)

12th man: me.

Key
Cook
Strauss
Pietersen
Bell
Flintoff
Prior/Jones
Broad
Swann/Rashid
Sidebottom
Harmison/S Jones

Simon Jones
Robert Key
Adil Rashid

Get them in the squad, let monty have a year of first class cricket to learn some variation, i think if he did that he would come back world class

I was goin on current form.
If evryone is on top of their game then:

Strauss
Denly
Vaughan
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Foster
Hoggard
Harmison
S. Jones
Panesar

For me, it'll have to be:

Strauss
Cook
Bell
KP
Vaughan
Freddie
Prior
Broad
GBH/Anderson depending on form
Jones/Sidebottom depending on fitness...
Monty

And these selected team stand a chance against any team higher than 4 in the rankings?
(India, South Africa, Australia)

Strauss - needs a dependable opener alongside him (Cook is not dependable)
Cook - is playing too high in the order (#4 - 6)
Shah/Vaughan - Both are going poorly with the bat (test since 2007)
KP - nothing against him (aussies know that he can take apart their attack)
Collingwood - Will he get runs when they're required?
Flintoff - Too much pressure on him (as there is with ALL good english players - regardless of sport) (should be #7+)
Prior/Foster - both with NO experience of playing AUS
Broad - maybe a good player (in years to come) but too much pressure on him
Anderson - what is so special about him that's not the same for anyone else (Jones, Hoggard)
Sidebottom - had a good tour, but is he going to take a wicket when KP needs him to
Panesar - just no (too predictable, and aussies play murali well)

I would pick:

Strauss
Denly
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Prior
Rashid
Flintoff
Jones
Hoggard
Monty

This team assumes that the ECB uses its brains and prepares abrasive turners. I have therefore picked 2 spinners and swing bowlers whilst selecting batsmen that can play spin (Denly has a good variety of shots).

This obviously depends on what team plays in the Caribbean, but provisionally...

Strauss
Cook
Shah
Pietersen*
Bell
Flintoff
Prior+
Broad
Swann
Sidebottom
Anderson

12. Harmison

I find it sad that this is still the proposed team, the one that has failed miserably. I do not see enough county cricket to suggest other players, but this team has too many players who are on a last lifeline - colly, bell, harmison, prior, monty even strauss.
Where are the youngsters? Broad is a success and he was given a chance at a run. So where are the others? Blood Rashid and look at the shorter version players; the more the teams are different the bigger the divide will be in the interest by the fans and test cricket needs interest not just to be the background matches between ashes series.
So my cry is to reduce the average age by building the team with youth and excitement, don't keep a player beyond his expiration date and don't recycle past discards.

Openers: Strauss, cook, horton,denly
Batsmen, KP, vaughan, shah, bell.
allrounders, Flintoff, Collingwood, rashid
Bowlers, Sibo, broad, Jimmy, Davis, Jones, Monty, Swann

keeper, Prior, foster

Guys just a point in response to those who talk about Flintoff’s lack of wickets – this was raised by one of the TMS team the other morning – which is that as well as chipping in with a handful of wickets himself, he helps create wickets for other bowlers by keeping his overs very tight. He tends to bang it in hard outside off stump, which a good batsman CAN leave but you don’t score runs without playing shots. That leaves them a choice: play risky shots outside off stump against Freddie, or go after the other bowlers who tend to pitch it up at the stumps. When he is part of a balanced seam attack which also includes good swing and spin bowling the effectiveness of this becomes clear.

The perfect fast bowling attack is not 4 Flintoffs or 4 Broads or 4 Andersons but a combination of different and complimentary styles which prevent batsmen from getting into a rhythm – we had the perfect example of this in 2005 with:

Flintoff – fast, short outside off stump
Harmison - intimidating pace and bounce into the batsman’s body
Hoggard – pitched up outswingers
Jones – reverse swinging the old ball

Freddie may only have one 5-for in Test cricket but he picks up his twos and threes regular as clockwork and creates the pressure for other people to take wickets. It ain’t broke so don’t fix it England!

I find it interesting that the TMS team have basically picked the current England squad with a couple of tinkering adjustments. You guys are more likely to have insider info from the England squad, so you probably reflect the way the wind is blowing (ie against Ian Bell and Harmy)
However, I fear that Owais Shah is a hard done by player, and that they will find a way of getting Michael Vaughan in at his expense. If his form warrants it when the time comes then fine, but if not , it shouldn't happen.
There is so much water to go under the bridge before then - could we try and win a test series in the Windies first please, and have this conversation in May/June time?

1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Shah
4. Pietersen (c)
5. Vaughan*
6. Prior (wk)
7. Flintoff
8. Swann
9. Broad
10. Sidebottom
11. Hoggard

* On the assumption that Vaughan gets some FC runs first. Even then I think his days of batting in the top 3 are behind him so I'd prefer him at 5 where he doesn't have to set the tone for the innings and also because I'd much rather see Shah at 3.

The selectors need to take a good long look at what we NEED to beat the aussies in 09.

We beat them in 05 because we had a TEAM of players who worked hard for each other, I am definitely of the opinion the team for the ashes has to play together against the Windies, regardless of conditions, we should beat them on class anyway. (although we should have beaten so many teams on class that we havent :S)

They also need to look at how we won last time, not with rose tinted glasses, but looking at the components of the team that did it.

What we NEED is:

A strong opening pair. Strauss and Tresco were immense (forgetting the performance of a certain G. McGrath at Lords, Day 1, First test) throughout, consistently building a platform.

If we can't persuade Tresco to play, Vaughan should open with AS. He is a class player, and vital to the team in almost all areas (catching not included)

All the best teams have middle order batsmen with quality, and we are strangling that by not playing Shah. Put him in with KP and Colly, because Collingwood will fight like no other in the team, plus he can be a 6th bowler and is just about the greatest fielder since Jonty Rhodes.

We played Geraint Jones because he performed a bit for Kent. Wicket Keepers need to be selected on form, if there isnt an Alec Stewart in the ranks. Foster has been knocking on the door for two years now and deserves his chance, but if he doesnt fire at the start of the CC, Prior should play for consistency.

We won the ashes in 05 because we had an incredible bowling attack that ripped them to shreds. We still have Freddie, and in my humble opinion, Harmison. Harmy is experienced, and has the pace required to cause problems.

Jimmy Anderson needs a good run in the team, and to his credt, Moores has given him the chance. He should play.

To be honest, it is a real shame we dont have Simon Jones, but we need to move on. Sidebottom is a liability, injury wise, so Hoggard should be considered, but only if Broady breaks his leg or something.

Broad has a lot of talent and is beginning to show it. He can bat a bit aswell.

Of course, we won the ashes in 05 carrying Giles, but it doesnt have to be that way again. I think Rashid is ready to step up, Monty is a joke, Swann needs more County games, which may sound like a joke given Rashid's age, but he has bags of talent. I saw him playing for England U19s at Taunton when he scored a ton and took 8 for, he fits the bill as far as talent is concerned, plus, if we want to retain the ashes (we will win in 09, i am optimistic), we need a spinner with international experience in Oz, it was too early for Monty last time.

So, here it is:

Strauss
Vaughan
Pietersen (C)
Shah
Collingwood
Prior (W)
Rashid
Flintoff
Broad
Anderson
Harmison

my ashes team has to be

Strauss- great opener
Cook- plays well with strauss
kp- where do i start
fred flintoff - best all rounder in the world
Vaughan- if he gets back in form
collingwood - good batsmen
Prior- played well in india
broad- good bowler and promising batter
anderson- best seamer we have
sidebottom- england miss him
monty- in the top 3 spinners in thew world

my second ashes team

key
denly
shah
bell
Bopara
wright
foster
Harmison
hoggard
tremlett
swann

if simon jones plays then we win because at the moment our batting is okay its our inabillity to take 20 wickets. i think the openers are fine leave that, bell has to go i am afraid he just doesn't match up to the batting ability of pietersen collingwood flintoff or prior so i think we should give shah or key ago at 3 i don't mind which, i think we should keep monty for the ashes and then after his form in that series decide his fate ( harsh on swann who i am a fan of but i just think monty should be given another chance ), jones harmison anderson would be a lethal bowling line up and could easily tear through the aussies, in fact no i think panesar should play the first two tests and then his fate will be decided.

1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Peitersen
4. Prior
5. Collingwood
6. Shah
7. Flintoff
8. Rashid
9. Broad
10. Sidebottom
11. Harmison

With that side you've got 8 batsmen, now that's not a bad start. 9 + 10 can bat. 11 can slog.

You've got a classic swing-bowler in Sidebottom (if fit - Anderson if not). Hit-the-deck Fred. Broad, pace and height and some movement. Rashid - leg-spinning all-rounder. And Harmi to provide some fear with his violent scatter-gun approach.

And in comes Shah. My hero. The guy who's carried the drinks more often than the waiter in my local italian restaurant. Hurrah for Shah. Awesome talent who needs time in the middle in test-matches. More exciting than Gayle, Yuvraj and Symonds for shear batting talent and skill.

Prior's a proper batsman so could even open but not wise after keeping. So 4's fine for him. Peitersen needs to get in as early as possible and score double-hundreds. Cook should be shown some faith. He's not even close to his peak yet. Colly still has his uses.

So that's me. And if that's not the team in Cardiff, I'll be upset. Although I know it won't be. This will...

1. Strauss
2. Cook
3. Bell (oh my god, still?)
4. Peitersen
5. Collingwood
6. Flintoff
7. Prior
8. Broad
9. Sidebottom
10. Harmison
11. Panesar

And who would fear that team? Not Australia - and the thing we need to be careful of is this - Ponting will not be skipper. Clarke will and he will re-energize the team. We need to do the same.

For Heavens sake bring back Michael Vaughan as a specialist batsman. He plays spin bowling well, and without the captaincy, would be an asset at number three instead of Ian Bell. Give Dimitri Mascarenhas a chance instead of Colly, and keep fingers crossed for Simon Jones. He's brilliant at reverse swing.

Vaughan's a backward step. He needs at least a year in County Cricket averaging 55+ to prove anything.

Mascarenhas is a great slogger - but this is the Ashes dude. It's about being able to accelerate the scoring sometimes, yes, but most of the time it's about defending good balls and punishing bad ones. It's test cricket, no T20. I love Dimi, but not for the test team.

Strauss
Cook
Shah
KP
Colly or bell (both so inconsistent)
Fred
Prior
Sid
Swann
Jimmy
Harmison (was excellent in the third SA test)

Dont see a lot wrong with the TMS side.
I would go for Rashid ahead of Monty.
I would leave out Anderson for Harmy.

I like the idea of picking Denly.
Vaughan would have to do something great in order to get in!!
Pothas? I'd love to see him. (I used to watch him at school. I remember a great partnership between him and Neil McKenzie, 6's flying in all directions) I can't see the selectors picking someone who's played ODIs for SA though.
Collingwood should be dropped immediately!
Panesar? Needs to learn the laws of cricket, esp LBW!!

Having spent the afternoon watching my 05 Ashes DVDs I have to suggest:

A Cook
M Vaughan
A Strauss
K Pietersen
P Collingwood
A Flintoff
J Foster
S Broad
G Swann
R Sidebottom
S Jones

The hardest position is really no 3 - who do we trust to go in when an early wicket falls? Perhaps the days of such set batting orders are coming to an end. In what other sport do you do the same thing regardless of the situation?

I can't believe so many are picking Simon Jones - has he played in three successive games, even at county level, since 05?

As for Panesar, again people are deluding themselves. Since he became our premier spinner we've lost home series to India and SA. So a batting side of Australia's quality are unlikely to have any sleepless nights.

Harmison has once again proved that he is a poor traveller, but with home and away series against the Windies I think he'll be able to regain some sort of form. The same applies to Sidebottom and Anderson, who'll be competing for the one seam spot alongside Harmy, Flintoff and Broad.

The batting doesn't need too much doing to it apart from replacing Shah with Bell.

Vaughan should only come back into contention if he can build a series of knocks with Yorkshire. Last season he looked jaded and in dire need of a break. If he can recover from this he'd be a useful option.

My team would be:

Strauss
Cook
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Swann
Anderson/Sidebottom
Harmison

Brave to leave Bell out. He has a great few years. Personally I dont rate Collingwood and Jimmy anderson is too eratic. I would have
Strauss
Cook
Bell
Shah
Peterson
Flintoff
Broad
Sidebottom or Jones
Harmison
Panesar or Swann

For me Bell has had more than enough chances - He is the Ramprakash of the 21st Century - so many chances, such good technique, but not mentally strong enough.

Ashes Team:

Strauss
Vaughan/ Trescothick (If persuaded by KP)
Cook
KP
Colly
Fred
Prior
Broad
Swann
Harmy
Anderson/ Hoggard/ Sidebotton

What has Hoggard done wrong? Does anyone know -I think he would have done a good job in Indian conditions and has been discarded too early, now that Sidebottoms fitness has been called into question.

Vaughan to open - great record against the Aussies provided he gets some runs under his belt in West Indies/ early season. if not then Shah to bat 3 and Cook to open. Strauss & Cook are too similar and I would split them up if we can find a more positive opener (could Tres be tempted by the Ashes and a friendly Aussie bowling attack?)

Panesar needs to go back to county cricket - His game is going backwards (in all 3 aspects of the game)

Sorry Colly but I think I'd rather play Bell at 6 where he started his career and which would suit his temperament - or lack of it. Hoggie back? wait and see how he plays in the new season....

Cook, Shah and Bell all have question marks against their efficacy at the highest level -and I'm talking CONSISTENCY. It would depend on team form for me, with others coming into the fray by strength of performance.
Strauss, Flintoff, Pietersen and Collingwood are all ok, as is Prior. Of the bowlers, why has Swann been overlooked? He did all the right things in India, and will have benefitted from the experience. Broad should stay in; Sidebottom IF fully fit. If in form, Harmison should play, although I don't think he should ever be picked to tour again. Anderson, again, is not consistent enough.
Given full form and fitness for everyone, this would be my first choice XI:
Strauss
Cook
Vaughan
Pietersen (capt)
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Broad
Swann
Sidebottom
Harmison

....but it would be nice to see some young players coming through to challenge them.

I would make a few changes, far to many players sitting in the comfort zone, doing enough to sustain their average and paper over the cracks.

OUT

Cook - eight fifties in his last 21 innings since his last hundred I believe. No score higher than 76 and he drops too many catches. Fifties are ok if his opening partner scores 100, if he is out for a low score then you're looking at 100/2 or 100/3 which isn't great. Alternative is to drop him to no 3, but would that solve his problem?

Anderson & Harmison - too wayward, don't turn up often enough when it matters and neither offer enough with the bat. I quite like Anderson, but he needs to do a lot more than pick up the odd wicket or two. Harmison needs to be more consistent, not rely on a pitch suited to him

Panesar - hardly a young kid now, he's been around for quite some time. Not doing enough with the ball, incapable of doing enough with bat or in the field. Enough is enough, if he can't be England's most potent threat in India then he isn't much use.

Bell - I've given him more than enough time to pull his socks up. It's almost a shame he scored that 199, it saved his neck and he's done nothing since bar one score of 50.


So who to come in/remains?

1. Strauss - left-handed option, has done enough to stay in the side for now

2. BOPARA - did enough against India opening to be worth a shot. Can't think of too many knocking on the door to open which is either me getting old or the options getting smaller.

3. SHAH - due to the boys club selection policy his chances have been limited.

4 Pietersen - although I'm yet to be convinced he's anything but the next Botham and Flintoff of captaincy, he is our best batsman. We need a leader as well as a star batsman, give the captaincy to Strauss

5. Collingwood - stay of execution as he can bowl and has done just about enough. He's a battler, but he needs to contribute more - more often

6. Flintoff - not where I'd bat him ideally, but with the XI I have in mind I can't see how he can bat seven. MUST start taking more wickets, at least he did something with the bat - well, more than waft it at the ball, edge it or just look cumbersome

7. Prior - I would prefer Foster or Davies, but for now I think we need the batting. It worked with Jones, he played his part in the 2005 win.

8. Swann - I've opted for him over other options because he's an experienced county pro, can bat and is a better fielder than Monty.

9. KABIR ALI - did little wrong in his only test, he can bat and deserves better than he gets from England

10. SIDEBOTTOM - the world doesn't revolve around Ryan, but without him we look pretty awful bowling. No way would I go with Broad, sure he can bat, but has he taken enough wickets to merit selection? No.

11. S.JONES - ideally, if not then maybe give Amjad Khan a chance



Anyone wondering why I've changed FIVE players from those that played in India, or doubting it. We've done NOTHING much since that 06/07 Ashes disaster but beat the windies and the kiwis. The players have ridden those easy series and done just enough to produce passable returns. But when we played India, South Africa and then India again our only win was gained in a dead rubber ie the series was already lost.

To highlight our poor form since (Ashes) 2005 :-

05/06 PAK 2-0 ENG
05/06 IND 1-1 ENG
2006 ENG 1-1 SRI
2006 ENG 2-0 PAK

One series win over Pakistan, looks ok up to that point bar the poor home draw against Sri Lanka

06/07 AUS 5-0 ENG
2007 ENG 3-0 WIN
2007 ENG 0-1 IND
07/08 SRI 1-0 ENG
07/08 NZE 1-2 ENG

Beat West Indies and New Zealand, but got beaten 3-0 (series) and 7-0 (Tests) by the top sides we did play

2008 ENG 2-0 NZE
2008 ENG 1-2 SAF
08/09 IND 1-0 ENG

Beat the kiwis at home, the consolation win against South Africa the first Test win over a decent side since Pakistan at home in 2006 ie two years

If you're happy beating the lowly ranked sides then England are the team for you. vs the sides we 'aspire' to be ranked above :

vs SAF/AUS/IND/PAK/SRI

Series : P9 W1 D1 L7 (Won 11.11%)
Tests : P30 W5 D11 L14 (Won 16.67%)

Pretty awful, yet pretty much the same names retained with the keeper the most scapegoated/changed. Of course against the West Indies and New Zealand we're world beaters :

vs NZE/WIN

Series : P3 W3 D0 L0 (Won 100.00%)
Tests : P10 W7 D2 L1 (Won 70.00%)



Note - our captain in the only credible series win since the Ashes in 2005 (over Pakistan) was Strauss. Better to give it to the players with over-inflated egos

1 Strauss

2 Cook

3 Shah

4 KP

5 Bopara a better cricketer than Collingwood but hasn't been given the same chances

6 Rashid or Flintoff

7 Flintoff or Rashid

8 Prior

9 Broad

10 Sidebottom

11 Anderson

If a second spinner is required then Swann probably for Anderson. Monty has to go away and learn how to vary his bowling.

Vaughan cannot be considered until he has scored good runs for Yorkshire. He has done nothing to deserve to go to the West Indies.

I would do away with central contracts. They have more disadvantages than advantages.

1. Strauss- always reliable and has a good record against Australia.
2. Cook- another good record against Aus and undroppable at the moment.
3. Bell- declared "England's biggest threat" by Tim Nielsen, Aussie coach.
4. Pietersen- automatic pick.
5. Shah- more dependable than colly and a more talented strokemaker.
6. Flintoff- Back in form with ball and bat; makes him an automatic pick.
7. Prior- Best batting of any English keeper and rapidly improving glovework.
8. Broad- Canny bowler and useful tail-ender.
9. Swann- More guile and variation than panesar as well as far superior fielding and batting.
10. Sidebottom- Ability to slant ball across right-handers as well as conventional/reverse swing could be important.
11. Anderson- 19 wickets at 19.31 aagainst New Zealand this year as well as good performances against South Africa prove home class.

I'd go along with most of the team, however 1 or 2 changes. The opening partnership in my opinion is a bit slow with their scoring rates and that can put pressure on the rest of the order. And the keeping spot still worries me.

Anyway my XI:

1. Strauss. Proven test player.
2. Denly. Scores runs at a good rate, and you can see he is international quality.
3. Cook. I like his steady hand here.
4. KP. Nuff said.
5. Collingwood. Every side needs a Colling wood, real fighter.
6. Flintoff. Nuff said about his bowling and his batting shows signs of coming back.
7. Either G.Jones, Foster or Davies. I think the best we've got.
8. Broad. Developing into a fine player.
9. Anderson. Fine bowler and more importantly becoming more consistent.
10. Sidebottom. Fine bowler and can make jokes about his hair while watching.
11. Panesar or Swann. In my opinion Monty's not been right for a while, and Swann was very good in India.

12th Man. Hoggard or Harmison. Both great bowlers, arguably Hoggard hasn't done anything wrong, but got dropped. And Harmison has there ever been a more infuriating bowler, but if he gets it right, he's one of the worlds best.