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[Buzz]

The Odi series is almost done - and England's next test part is being discussed at the moment to be announced next week.

It is clear that the names in the frame will come from the below list - although I am not entirely sure which 16 they will go for - I think it is very much injury dependent.

Cook
Hales
Bell
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Broad
Anderson
Finn
Balance
Compton
Bairstow
Ansari
Plunkett
Footitt
Woakes

My first choice team would be
Cook
Hales
Root
KP (oops sorry what was I thinking - I meant to have Compton opening the batting and Hales and Root Moving down a place)
Taylor
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Plunkett (maybe footitt)
Broad
Anderson

the fringe slots will be interesting

[uknsaunders]

Not a Wood fan? Or is he injured?

[ItsJustCricket]

The Odi series is almost done - and England's next test part is being discussed at the moment to be announced next week.

It is clear that the names in the frame will come from the below list - although I am not entirely sure which 16 they will go for - I think it is very much injury dependent.

Cook
Hales
Bell
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Broad
Anderson
Finn
Balance
Compton
Bairstow
Ansari
Plunkett
Footitt
Woakes

My first choice team would be
Cook
Hales
Root
KP (oops sorry what was I thinking - I meant to have Compton opening the batting and Hales and Root Moving down a place)
Taylor
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Plunkett (maybe footitt)
Broad
Anderson

the fringe slots will be interesting

You wouldn't pick Ian Bell, Buzz? Interesting...

[justnotcricket86]

Can't remember where I read it, but Ballance & Lyth are in with a shout for the squad.

Other than the opener, I think 2-11 picks itself (injuries aside)

A.Opener
Cook
Bell (they will take him for experience, just signed on for another 12m)
Root
Taylor
Stokes
Buttler
Mo
Wood/Plunkett (Prefer Wood)
Broad
Jimmy

[Cricketer88]

I'd like to see Compton get another chance.

My 11 would be.

Cook
Hales / Compton
Root
Taylor
Bairstow
Stokes
Buttler
Ali
Broad
Wood - If not fit, Plunkett
Anderson

[FattusCattus]

I think Bell should consider himself fortunate to make the trip - he doesn't really seem to be in top form at the mo, is his mind ready for a bombardment?

[roco]

im still not sure as do we give Rashid a run to see if he can do something

Ali is a good spinner but cant seem to block and end up and Rashid is definitely more of an attacking option so I'd be tempted to "rest" Ali and get Rashid in at 7/8

I just want my spinner to be able to hold p and end or if not create chances and I feel a leggie is just more attacking especially against an English offie

[FattusCattus]

I'd have both in the squad as you only need 2 twirlers in SA.

[19reading87]

The team for the first test WILL be ( if everybody is fit )

1- A Cook
2- A Hales (still think Steyn and Morkel will destroy him due to his planting of the front foot)
3- I Bell (We won't expose a new player at 3, he has massive experience & will play well on those pitches)
4- J Root
5- J Taylor
6- B Stokes
7- J Bairstow
8- M Ali
9- S Broad
10- M Wood
11- J Anderson

Rashid, Plunkett, Butler, Woakes and Ballance will be the remainder of the squad

However... I can see Jason Roy being a surprise selection. South African born and would add something different to the middle order

[Buzz]

Not a Wood fan? Or is he injured?

My understanding is that Wood is having an op on his ankle - if fit he is definitely in the squad.

You wouldn't pick Ian Bell, Buzz? Interesting...

Ian Bell will retire - he is finished.

I have no truck for Rashid at test level either. !!

Reds, you had me up to at 'Jason Roy'.

[joeljonno]

I'm not sure Hales will be tight enough with his technique to be a successful opener, but it's only fair that they give him a shot, even if they bring Lyth back in to the squad (as back-up). You never know, look at Warner, he was a climber when he started.

Cook

Bell

Root

Taylor

Bairstow/Buttler. Bairstow has the gloves and the form but I think there is little between them.

Ali

Stokes

Broad

Plunkett (or Wood if fit)

Anderson

I'd like them to get Ballance back in the squad, he was unlucky to be dropped when there were so many similarly underperforming players, it could had been any of them.

I would think this is Bell's last tour, maybe be available next summer before he retires (unless he gets his form back).

Whilst I like Rashid, unless he can take that step up he'll struggle to keep his place. It took Shane Warne a while to settle into international cricket (about 5 tests before the Gatting ball). I'm not saying Rashid is anywhere that quality, but it does show that you can't be certain off the first few tests.


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[justnotcricket86]

Buzz, I am with you and think Bell should retire but he won't. New contract been signed and they will want some experience out in the middle order.

Even if the experience will only average 19.36 for the series......

[19reading87]

Reds, you had me up to 'Jason Roy'.

He's the next KP.... LOL!!

[roco]

He's the next KP.... LOL!!

may as well ban him now and save the time

[19reading87]

may as well ban him now and save the time

I meant more, flamboyant South African