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[Tumo]

Compton was born to average 46 in championship cricket and help you draw Test matches in NZ.

I'm not arguing that, I was saying that like Nick I feel that Carberry's 4-day form wasn't good enough to warrant selection!

[Bats_Entertainment]

I'm not arguing that, I was saying that like Nick I feel that Carberry's 4-day form wasn't good enough to warrant selection!

I was, perhaps, suggesting that championship averages might not tell you everything about a player?

[Tumo]

I was, perhaps, suggesting that championship averages might not tell you everything about a player?

It's not just the averages though, his knocks haven't been brilliant compared to a couple of years back. I know that Compton is a bit of a Trott-style player, but surely someone like Varun Chopra (at 6-7 years younger than Carberry) would have been a better shout? Not only is he averaging 51 with the bat but scoring big innings, and he is snaffling many a catch at slip (where he is as safe as houses) as well. Where better to blood your youths than in a really competitive and heated series such as the Ashes?

[jamielsn15]

With regard to averages, players like Trecothick and Vaughan wouldn't have been picked - we all know Fletcher, and most likely Flower, look for that 'something extra' in a player.

Carberry is an experienced pro.  So is Compton.  But Carberry isn't going to sit in the hotel by the pool, or on the coach to games and training complaining to those that will listen about his experiences and how he hasn't been treated fairly.  Compton burnt his bridges when he did that and even more so saying that Gooch doesn't understand his game.  I take on board that he hasn't had equal opportunities that others have, but the onus is as much on him to fit in.  The other rumours are that he didn't in the dressing room overall.  Touring previously isn't just a positive in someone's favour, it can definitely work against you as well.

I think because its a tour they don't want to risk a pro who is harbouring grudges.  There's not that much to choose between Carberry and Compton as players, but Carberry clearly has the better attitude.

[Number4]

Carberry won't play a test match anyway

[Buzz]

I am surprised no one has questioned Tremlett's inclusion.

he doesn't play regularly for Surrey, has been impotent apart from one game and isn't the player he was.

I would have gone with the 16+1 other players.
Saker has picked the bowlers and the Durham pitches aren't all that similar to the ones in Aus.

carberry is a good choice, good bloke, works hard quality fielder. he will be a good 12 th man.

going to be a good series, I think Bairstow will surprise with his quality on the quicker pitches.

we are lucky to have so many good players to choose from.

[Number4]

Cook, Root, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Prior, Broad, Swann, Finn, Anderson and Tremlett or Rankin will play most tests

[jamielsn15]

Carberry won't play a test match anyway

Can't see Carberry playing bar injury to Cook or Root.  If there is an injury, I hope they give him a go, rather than shuffling Trott up one.

I am surprised no one has questioned Tremlett's inclusion.

he doesn't play regularly for Surrey, has been impotent apart from one game and isn't the player he was.

I would have gone with the 16+1 other players.
Saker has picked the bowlers and the Durham pitches aren't all that similar to the ones in Aus.

carberry is a good choice, good bloke, works hard quality fielder. he will be a good 12 th man.

going to be a good series, I think Bairstow will surprise with his quality on the quicker pitches.

we are lucky to have so many good players to choose from.

I thought Tremlett was done - Finn's a lot younger and, even though he does go for more than is ideal, he takes wickets.  I certainly don't think you need Finn, Rankin and Tremlett, I see why they've let Onions play, so that he's match ready if needed, do agree it  should've been 16.

[thedevil]

I see monty has been a naughty boy again in the game vs Worcestershire, one match ban for improper conduct against the opposition...

Maybe he was just warming up for the ashes chat 

[ppccopener]

interesting to read the views on Compton not being picked. hav'nt previously heard any 'gooch does not understand me' stuff

there can't be much Gocchie does not know about batting-he has the runs behind him to prove it as well

as for the dressing room......it's ok for KP not to fit in but not Compton...hmmmmm..sounds like a clique to me.

on the plus side Carberry is a very very good player and i'm sure would of played more cricket for England around the time of his serious illness. I would have him in the team instead of Bairstow

or open with him and put root back to 5 or 6...

but I dont think we will do that.

[Outlaw]

I've heard from very good sources for a while before England that Compton is to put it bluntly a sh*t bloke so not suprising to hear comments regarding character. Looking forward to seeing if Rankin gets a go he looked very dangerous at Derby yesterday pitch was doing allsorts including plenty of bounce but he was very hostile injuring Palladino and nearly a couple more so I think he could really rattle some players in Aus given the chance. Gary Ballance is a great talent and a much better player than Bairstow will play in Australia without doubt for me.

[Manormanic]

don't know that Balance is better that JB so much as a different player.  Bairstow will be better on the faster bouncier pitches in Australia (in common with most of the England side, you suspect) but Balance would also do an excellent job. 

[Bats_Entertainment]

Another impressive ton from Ballance today. Bairstow looks hopelessly out of form.

Tremlett was getting in plenty of drink-carrying practice.

[Bats_Entertainment]

Cook, Root, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Prior, Broad, Swann, Finn, Anderson and Tremlett or Rankin will play most tests

We're going to play five bowlers?

[Number4]

We're going to play five bowlers?

Oops missed one.. Ok Bairstow....