England Squad Announcement

Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Alastair Cook, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Graeme Swann

I’m quietly encouraged by the first squad announced under Andy Flower, the line up shows some joined up thinking, and demonstrates a willingness to take a look at new options rather than just going back to the same old tired names.

Michael Vaughan, Steve Harmison and Ian Bell now know they’re not just going to spend a little penance in the domestic scene, and walk back into the side. Good. Maybe taking them out of their comfort zone will encourage them to push on... or push off – a positive move either way.

Yes, Bell’s made big runs for Warwickshire so far this season, but the question has never been about his ability and a couple of impressive knocks in the safety of the County Championship haven’t changed his mental flaws on the biggest stage. Equally while I’m sure Vaughan is ‘hitting it brilliantly in the nets’, neither he nor Harmison have the numbers behind them to justify a call up.

Now it looks like Ravi Bopara will bat at three – for at least the test series against the West Indies. I really like Bopara as a player, but I think it’s a bit unfair on him. Number three is the pivotal position in the batting order, and is usually filled by one of the most senior, reliable batsmen. Bopara’s played four test matches.

Someone else should be stepping up to the plate, KP, Collingwood, Strauss and Cook are all experienced, but in the case of Colly & KP in particular are just too comfortable in their current position. So much like Shah, and to a lesser extent Bell before him – the most vulnerable batsman in the order is given the most effective role. I hope he succeeds, but don’t think he’s being given the best chance to.

It’s hard to argue with the logic of any of the other selections; the man in possession Owais Shah hasn’t even played a game in the IPL, so has no form whatsoever – and doesn’t have weight of runs from the West Indies series to retain his place; and Graham Onions celebrated his call up by ripping through Somerset, taking 6-31, so at the very least we’re picking a man in form. Bresnan has been on the scene for a while now and probably deserves his shot.

I’m not wholly convinced either Onions or Bresnan will go on to enjoy successful Test careers, but I’m pleased that we’re going to get a chance to find out.