The other options for No.3.

England's humiliating innings defeat at Headingley has thrown the Ashes wide open and turned this weekend's squad announcement into the hottest topic of the summer. With Kevin Pietersen missing from a flat-lining middle-order and Collingwood, Bell and Bopara scoring only 16 runs in within their 6 wickets at Headingley, changes are sure to be considered, particularly at Nos. 3 and 4.

The two main contenders are Mark Ramprakash and Robert Key. But here in this article I look at their contenders in the race to wear the white shirt with the three lions.


Jonathan Trott - He is England's form batsman in county cricket with 910 runs at 82.72, only behind Trescothick and Ramprakash and Hampshire's opener, Michael Carberry. The aggressive right-hander can be Kevin Pietersen's perfect replacement. But as a debutant his nerves are sure to shaking and a place like Oval for his debut in a high pressure match would hardly be the place where the 28 year old asked to bat for his country.



Owais Shah - A familiar face in the English dressing room might find himself back into the room once again. He is familiar with the first down position. And as a member of the ODI team he would be a front runner. Shah had a go at No. 3 for three Tests in the Caribbean this spring, but his short run was marred by run outs though he showed that he was a talent to look out for. He's been in decent first-class form for his county Middlesex this season, with 552 runs at 50.18 this year, and the selectors who prefer bot to gamble too much would likely go ahead with him.

Marcus Trescothick - Marcus may be retired and have stress related illness, but still England's most successful left hander may be in the fray against innumerable odds.

Ravi Bopara - The selectors may retain the trust they have in Ravi Bopara and give him a final chance. With his talent, confidence and potential, he is just an innings away from form and could be retained in the team. But due to his recent failures and the public out cry the selectors may have to think twice about him, leaving him at their mercy. He right now is England's rabbit in the headlights.



Ian Bell - Despite numerous odds, Bell continues as a favorite. Having played competitive cricket against the Aussies before, and being a replacement for Kevin Pietersen, may find himslef at favour with the selectors. But having failed miserably in Headingley with 11 runs from two innings may find himself at the selectors mercy too. But he did score a half century at Edgbaston and his performance in the 2005 Ashes may just be able to help him keep his place. Bell and Bopara can't do much worse than now, can they?

Micheal Lumb - Son of the prolific Yorkshire opener Richard Lumb, who is in the 30 probables for the Champions Trophy might be an option. A very very long shot option.

Ed Joyce - May find himself like Lumb in the fray with a almost zero chance. But the 30 year old Irish does have immense talent and can prove his critics wrong. With his new found form with Sussex, who know what twist life has planed for him.


Joe Denly - England's most talented batsman in the future may find himself in the search if the selectors decide that investment in the future is in need. Denly with amazing talent and with his amazing range of strokes very well could be a front runner if it wasn't for his age. At 23, he still turns quite a lot of heads his way.

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