Hey Folks,
Its never too early for long-winded speculation and personally I enjoy it. So I've laid out my thoughts on what seems a likely (or possibly ideal) squad for the English summer.
Setup- 4 man bowling attack, we don't have an all rounder of sufficient proven international quality to do otherwise really.
Batsmen:
1. Strauss (C) - No doubt here, the winning partnership of Strauss and Flower must continue
2. Cook - Again no question especially after the Ashes
3. Trott - England's most reliable batsman, he's rightly tied down the number 3 spot.
4. Pieterson - A bit inconsistent but you can't leave him out really (can you?)
5. Bell - Proven performer now he seems to have overcome some mental issues and made big scores against tough opponents. Possibly interchangeable in the batting order with whoever is the 6th batsman.
6. Morgan - Will need a bit of patience before he can be expected to have the same success in Test cricket as in limited overs, but such a promising young talent needs to be given time in the middle.
Other possibilities at 6:
Bopara: Showed his quality at the world cup and would be able to take over 5th bowler duties from collingwood, though Trott may be able to handle that role Bopara is probably the better bowler.
Hildreth: Extraordinarily talented and apparently played very well on the Lions tour, maybe worth a shot at some point or at least a place in the squad?
Others: Lyth, Taylor, Denly, Samit Patel ???
Wicket Keeper:
England's currently got a surfeit of quality keepers:
Prior: Really improved his keeping over the last year and has the ability and experience to be a difference maker in Test cricket. Also extremely important is his chemistry with the rest of the team which seems excellent.
Davies: I would love to see him given a shot and he's probably one of the more popular players around with the general public having seen his name in the paper and hopefully admired his courage in coming out.
Kieswetter: Another promising young talent and we saw his capability in T20, he's apparently done well with the Lions tour but he isn't yet of the quality to overtake Prior.
Foster: Possibly the best glove man in the world, and his 88 not out in Kent's winning effort against Essex shows some capability with the bat. But until he's regarded as a high class batsman will he get his chance?
Bowlers:
Here England seem to have definitely gone for a squad system approach which should help their players bodies and help train up more for the future.
Spinners:
Swann: Absolutely no doubt here, arguably the best finger spinner in the world and seemingly a positive influence on the team.
Panesar: Has he secured himself as the number two spinner on the squad, his inclusion for the ashes suggests so and continued good performances for Sussex may keep him there, though he will always be a liability in the field.
Tredwell: Was shown up on the world stage at the world cup, isn't likely to feature anytime soon in the test side despite good form on county level.
Rashid: The real wild card here, took 11 wickets to help Yorkshire thump Worcestershire this weekend. He'd would also challenge Swanny and Broad for their spots in the batting order.
Pace attack:
Anderson: No question here, seem tired after the long tour, but who didn't. Probably the best swing bowler in the world right now.
Broad: When healthy a powerful contributor on his day and certainly worthy of his place. If he could ever improve his consistency when batting he has the ability to rival for the best all rounder in the world.
Finn: I still give him my vote for being England's third pace man for test matches, can be deadly at time though needs to improve his consistency to play at international level consistently. Probably needs to be treated like Broad was, sticking with his talent and training him up to be the player we want him to be. Needs to put up some good numbers with Middlesex though to get him through the door.
Tremlett: Whilst no doubt an excellent player was his success in the Ashes down to horses for courses with his height and bounce. A lethal player anywhere to be sure but is he England's best option?
Shahzad: Probably needs work to be able to hold down an england place but his swing ability could provide a good contribution, especially if Anderson rotated out.
Bresnan: Absolutely steady and capable and handy with the bat, but is he the test bowler of the future or a stopgap?
Onions: Returned from his back injury, probably needs to get back into things at Durham first but a great asset once he's back on top form.
Woakes: A promising talent and seemingly a proper all rounder, probably needs more time with the Lions though before he challenge for a spot.
Others: Dernbach, Plunkett, Sidebottom, Briggs, Harris
What does everyone else think?