With the English middle order in complete dire straights, Bopara, and Bell are likely to be replaced. And with the all important and prestigious first down spot vacant (no. 3), speculations are rife. With Flintoff back, the middle order still looks vulnerable.
England's middle order is testing the selectors' loyalty. Contributing a paltry 16 runs for six dismissals in 17 overs at Headingley, the call for change is now deafening.
England's middle order is testing the selectors' loyalty. Contributing a paltry 16 runs for six dismissals in 17 overs at Headingley, the call for change is now deafening.
With Bopara, and Bell most likely to sit the Oval match out, their replacements are being highly debated. Veteran Mark Ramprakash is the favorite. The 39 year old has been in prolific form this year in county cricket scoring 1,209 runs at 100.75 for Surrey. Ramprakash is all set for a comeback and what a moment it will be for him if he is recalled! Ramprakash has played 52 Tests for England, the last of which was in 2002 averages only 27.32 in the international arena. But surely if a comeback is offered to him, who knows what he can do with the talent he has. I say that Ramprakash is the best bet.
The other player likely to be called for international duty is Kent's batsman, Robert Key. Key like Ramprakash has an outstanding record in the domestic circuit and is someone whom I regard as international material. Key who has often been the spine of Kent like Ramprakash to Surrey may find himself wearing the three lions. The prestigious number 3 spot could go to him.
In a recent poll by cricinfo, Ramprakash comes ahead of all for the spot.
The loyal selectors may still continue to field Bopara, and Bell. If this happens, the selectors better hope that they perform else the English media would surely be after them for fielding the out of form batsmen.
Let's just hope that whoever gets selected will do justice to their selection and will contribute. The most important men in the world right now seems to be the English selectors.
13 Comments:
Alec Stewart when asked about Ramps said "I don't think he would physically make it through a five day game".
England is reduces to selecting geriatrics.:)
I don't think Ramprakash will be selected for the last match because then the selectors will be asked why they gave the chance to this old cricketer rather they should select an young cricketer for future cricket.
Ramp wont.....
In my opinion, dont even think of selecting Ramps, Couldnt do anything until 32 and they are expecting him to do something at 39....??????? Put in Trott as a long term solution.
i go for mark.. but bopara is having great favor
@ Rob,
Well Alec, is wrong I feel. The difference between county championship and test cricket is only a day and why wont Ramp be able to play for another 80 overs.??
@ Ottayan,
So right there, mate :D
@ Vikas,
Maybe so, but at the same time Ramp has experience and that too tons of them and if Ramp is successful now then he can be in the team for the next 6 months or so while the middle order find form.....
A newbie would find it difficult to handle the pressures wont he?
@ Jon,
We'll see mate. Ramp may. Who know?
@ Baiju Nair,
And what an oppurtunity for Ramp at 39.....!!
And Trott may be a long time solution but why not wait after the Ashes. Why do you want to push him into a pressure situation?
@Chrony,
Ditto. Even i go for Ramp..... :D
Great minds think alike eh?
Whenever put into a pressure situation Ramps have failed and there is history for it. So how is he going to handle the pressure of a final match of a series at 1-1 and with Ashes up for grabs. Doesn't digest to me mate. Aussies knows very well hoe Ramps plays, but if you are putting a new guy like Trott, there will be an advantage as Aussies may not have seen much of him.
Post a Comment
Read not to contradict and confute, nor to believe and take for granted but to weigh and consider.
- Francis Bacon