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[rickjames]

Something about a virus, but gut instinct to him suggests unchanged team. So there we go.

[alexhilly1492]

just seen on sky sports cricket score centre that stokes is expected to be fit after a stomach bug

[Manormanic]

Gut feeling is that Wood won't play - he's only ever managed back to back games once and that was...less than successful.  Whether they'd go to Plunkett as the nearest like for like or to Patel as another source of variety is another matter.

[edge]

I think we'll be unchanged, Wood only bowled 29 overs in the whole test! Chance of Samit if it looks like a dust bowl though.

[petehosk]

If Woods only bowled 29 overs, then I still think we should rest Woods and bring Taylor in!!

[edge]

If Woods only bowled 29 overs, then I still think we should rest Woods and bring Taylor in!!

Agreed, if your third seamer only bowled 29 out of 210+ overs it shows you didn't really need him! No chance at all of that happening though sadly, although I think Taylor will be in at 5 by the end of the winter.

[Manormanic]

Still be tempted myself to drop Buttler and give Jonny B the gloves.

[csnew]

Is it me or is Ali the PR spokesmen for the team, every chance he gets, he's on tv or in the papers. Really is getting a bit boring.

[MD2812]

Still be tempted myself to drop Buttler and give Jonny B the gloves.

Agree with this!!

If worried about batting drop in JT, if want more bowling Samit or another seamer. Plunkett?

[petehosk]

Blimey! Surely we don't need more bowling! I think JT has to be the next in.....or maybe he should already be in!
Agree that Jos is still not performing with the bat yet. I would love to see him kick in soon, but it is amazing that he is still there after so long.
Others have barely been given a second match, so he has to count himself lucky!

[Neon Cricket]

Samit Patel doesn't deserve to even be close to the England set-up - surprised people would consider letting him play!

[northernboy1987]

Samit Patel doesn't deserve to even be close to the England set-up - surprised people would consider letting him play!

Tend to agree. If a 3rd spin option is needed, is it not worth giving Root some more overs?

[Seniorplayer]

Think Samit is a poor selection as a squad member never mind playing him in a test.

[petehosk]

If Ansari was fit to play, I suspect that Rashid would be 1st reserve and Patel would be at home with his feet up with pipe and slippers!

[ppccopener]

yes but surely it shows the lack of spin options available to England...and maybe explains the clamour for Ansari to be in

samit's a talented cricketer but should of been playing at 22 not 32 for England.. he has(had) it all in his own hands....

spin......the cupboard really is bare.....Monty Panesar? someone on here referred to him as the best spinner in England last month....

again........he should be or No 1 after Swanny but does not even have a County. it's sad actually I think. what a waste.