Well, it is starting to look like a case of last man standing here, isn't it?
Word is there will be an extended squad of 17, which one assumes will allow them to select, for example, Bairstow who will not have played any red ball cricket and see how he goes in practice.
I tried to piece a squad together, and it isn't particularly easy. In terms of nailed on selections, I would be largely confident of Stokes, Root, Lees, Bairstow, Foakes, Broad and Anderson. That's 7 out of 17 (and at most 6 of the side, because I am assuming that Stokes choosing to bat six indicates that Jonny is getting the gloves back once he is adjusted to the red ball). His close relationship with Key and some promising knocks over the winter mean Crawley is probably the eighth.
Thereafter....erm...
On the basis of a new broom, I would go for Harry Brook, Matty Potts and Matt Parkinson as the most exciting young players. If he is fit, Dan Lawrence gets a go, and I would go for Dom Sibley and Josh Bohannon to round out the batting options - Dawid Malan is in great touch but I am not sure he has time left to make it in Test cricket, and James Vince was a narrow no thanks but would remain in thoughts. That leaves three bowling spots, and a major issue because the four I have so far named are at best number 10s in the order. I would therefore look at two quicker bowlers who are more capable with the willow in Jamie Overton and Brydon Carse - either would be able to perform the third/fourth seamer role alongside Stokes. The last spot is tough...is Ollie Robinson fit? Does Stokes think he can make Jack Leach a threat with the ball? I might be tempted to go really left field and pick one of two sharp left armers for variety, either Rees Topley or more likely Luke Wood.
Author
Topic: Eng Test team... Stokes' warriors (Read 13408 times)