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[smilley792]

So the season is underway and who's playing and where?

Bell got a 100 other day, could he be back in? Maybe at five to replace the Ill Taylor?



Hales is resting, does that mean he's been told he will start as opener?

While he rests Sam Robson and lyth both with early season hundreds.

[19reading87]

I'd love to see Belly get another go in the team. Australia have no problem in picking form players in their mid 30's so why shouldn't England. Bell had most of his success batting at 5 so would be a brilliant addition there again.

They'll stick with Hales for the first series as they always do (England normally give people 7 tests and see what's what), if he fails then the opening spot comes wide open again.

[Ams4287]

Whilst bell is class and will majestically put county attacks to the sword all summer I don't think he'll get a recall. Would James Vince get the nod in the middle order?

[WalkingWicket37]

When is Ansari due back from injury?

[Buzz]

Ansari has played for the Surrey 2's and is on the way back.

I would like to see Steven Davies get a go at 5 for England.

[19reading87]

Steven Davies deserves it more than Vince. I really don't see what the fuss is with him

[cricketbadger]

Davies? Why? Take it you guys both Surrey fans.

[123*]

Scott Borthwick, 1000 Div 1 CC runs in the last 3 seasons on the worst deck in the country. Somehow never gets mentioned?!

[Ams4287]

Scott Borthwick, 1000 Div 1 CC runs in the last 3 seasons on the worst deck in the country. Somehow never gets mentioned?!

Probably after his last appearance people have hoped everyone has forgotten about him so Cooks not tempted to toss him the ball 🙈

[smilley792]

Davies? Why? Take it you guys both Surrey fans.

His stats for last 3 and a bit years aren't bad, and I'm I Yorkshire fan.



So why not?

[WalkingWicket37]

Gary Ballance must be next in line to get another go?

I can see either Lees or Lythe opening before the end of the English summer.

I think Vince has got a lot of attention because he's a pretty batsman (and sponsored by GM) which reminds people of a young Michael Vaughan. As a Hampshire fan I'd say his white ball cricket is better than his 4 day stuff. He's talented but I don't think he's ready for test cricket just yet.

[123*]

Probably after his last appearance people have hoped everyone has forgotten about him so Cooks not tempted to toss him the ball 🙈

That's the thing though, he hardly bowls for Durham. He's an out and out number 3 who's scored the most runs over the last three years by an Englishman at 3.

[Ams4287]

That's the thing though, he hardly bowls for Durham. He's an out and out number 3 who's scored the most runs over the last three years by an Englishman at 3.

Was joking mate - we seem to like taking number 3s who bowl a bit and popping them down at 8 (besides can't really see a wrist spinner getting a look in at Durham when playing at home).

I'd agree with the above though Ballance toured so based on England's methodology he'll be next in line in the middle order

[rickjames]

Davies had his chance when he said no to being backup keeper, no?

[ppccopener]

Gary Ballance must be next in line to get another go?

I can see either Lees or Lythe opening before the end of the English summer.

I think Vince has got a lot of attention because he's a pretty batsman (and sponsored by GM) which reminds people of a young Michael Vaughan. As a Hampshire fan I'd say his white ball cricket is better than his 4 day stuff. He's talented but I don't think he's ready for test cricket just yet.

England obviously like Vince they have kept him around the squads,nowadays that normally means a chance sooner or later. I like Vince and Lyth and ballance. There's def competition this summer for one maybe two places. Not sure what to make of Bell, didn't score enough runs so fair enough,he is a natural number 5, Vince a bit higher up the order. I don't think we will go back to bell,it depends which position I guess.i think opening is still a problem which could mean Compton up Vince 3. If we just replace JT? BAllance is 5 for the Yorkies I think.Another ton for bairstow today he has nailed the keeper/batsman slot.

If there is just one place it may well depend on who scores most runs in the championship.
Your right about Vince being compared to Vaughan a lot.
Also if Compton and cook open(presuming he ain't banned for his lid)  is that too stodgy?
Lyth is free scoring he just didn't really get going last summer,but could of been a good counter to Cook at the top.

Interesting stuff, if I had to make one change I would drop hales and stick Lyth back in. Probably won't be popular on here thou