England in SAffer.

[KipperJohn]

Presumably Bell has a central contract, plus a recent 3 year contract with Warwickshire, so he's well placed in that regard.

Agnew reporting that Bell has told Strauss he'll fight for his place though Agnew suggests it's probably the end of his England career.

Time will tell. Having a player of Bell's calibre to fall back on has to be a plus for England whilst they gve others a chance.

[hopeforthebest]

The dropping of Bell is less surprising than the exclusion of Liam Plunkett from the squad, clearly he's been chosen to become Bayless's Graeme Onions. Someone to traipse around a few tours then exclude him.

[westoelad]

I would suspect that a tweet stating he was surprised and gutted to be omitted strongly implies that he hadn't beeen forewarned. Having said that given his recent form it certainly shouldn't have come as a surprise. Bayliss' recent comments suggest it's also come as a surprise to him.

But it doesn't have to mean he hasn't been told. Aren't we all reacting without knowing? But if he wasn't, that would be poor behaviour. Bayliss is a selector, so it can't have come as a surprise to him.

Though I could easily be missing something, so fair enough.

And the bottom line is Bell can't have any complaints about being dropped.

[Aidan11]

I hope Bell does come back.


He deserves to go out on his own terms. I can't see it though.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England's next in line for a bowling spot is Jordan (ahead of Woakes and Footitt), but he doesn't feel like a player England will be excited to get in the side, so maybe Footitt will prove a more alluring choice.

[Aidan11]

Had he played for any other country I can't see him being treated like this.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pretty small beans compared with the way they left out his former batting colleague though?

[Aidan11]

It's Graham Thorpe all over again.


Except this time it's Gary Ballance instead of KP.

[hopeforthebest]

Pretty small beans compared with the way they left out his former batting colleague though?

Who's that AC?

[Aidan11]

Pretty small beans compared with the way they left out his former batting colleague though?

Who's that AC?

KP

[hopeforthebest]

The way things are going for SA at present England might be going to face them at an ideal time.

[Aidan11]

It's all about Bell at the moment but is no-one going to vent their anger over the dropping of Rashid?

[Gingerfinch]

It's all about Bell at the moment but is no-one going to vent their anger over the dropping of Rashid?

Has he been asked not to tour, as he will hopefully not be needed? It's a tad risky as we don't really want to be relying on Patel.

[Aidan11]

This is all Peter Moores fault.

[dan08]

I think it's a good decision to let Rashid play in the BBL ahead of the World T20 instead of carry drinks again.