England in SAffer.

[hopeforthebest]

Maybe they feel that in Wood's absence, Jordan replaces him as a reverse swinger. Though I don't think either has justified their reputation on that front.

I think Jordan might be seen as a possible back up in the absence of Stokes. Someone who might score some runs batting at 8, might take some wickets as 4th seamer and is a brilliant fielder. Especially in the slips.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Though Woaksy could be filling those boots.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Though I've got a hunch Woakes will be in batting at nine.

[hopeforthebest]

The one day come first do they not, so they might be an audition for the fringe selections of the test side.

[westoelad]

The one day come first do they not, so they might be an audition for the fringe selections of the test side.

Nope-1st of 4 tests on Dec.26th then ODI's start Feb.

[KipperJohn]

The conditions might well suit Woakes who, IMHO, is a better bowler with the red ball than the white. Never been convinced by Jordan. However, like most, I expect we'll be heavily reliant on Anderson and Broad. Footitt is an interesting alternative but a hard place to debut.

Presumably Cook and Root will be in the slips, with the line-up determining the rest of the cordon.

Presumably Hales will open with either Compton or Ballance competing for the No. 3 spot, with Root at 4, Taylor at 5 and Stokes at 6 and the 4th pace bowler. Hales has similar technical issues outside off as did Lyth, going hard at the ball away from his body. Perhaps he can be more circumspect in Tests but he seems to need to get to bat on ball, which the likes of Steyn and Morkel will be keen to exploit.

The surprise package might well be Moeen, with both bat and ball.

Ramblings over so, as always, good luck to them all and hope we can compete.

[backfootpunch]

im hoping taylor at 3 and ballance down the order

[hopeforthebest]

im hoping taylor at 3 and ballance down the order

A lot on wheter the plan is for 3 pacemen and a spinner or 4 pacmen and a spinner. Clearly if Stokes is fit he'll be back at 6 but if not there are a multitude of options.

[backfootpunch]

im hoping taylor at 3 and ballance down the order

A lot on wheter the plan is for 3 pacemen and a spinner or 4 pacmen and a spinner. Clearly if Stokes is fit he'll be back at 6 but if not there are a multitude of options.

i was thinking

cook
hales
taylor
root
ballance
stokes/moeen
buttler

if ballance hasnt changed his technique getting him away from the moving ball and fresh bowlers is probably a good idea

[Gingerfinch]

As long as they don't lob Root in at three. His solid run making down the order can be vital if we lose a couple of early wickets.

[hopeforthebest]

im hoping taylor at 3 and ballance down the order

A lot on wheter the plan is for 3 pacemen and a spinner or 4 pacmen and a spinner. Clearly if Stokes is fit he'll be back at 6 but if not there are a multitude of options.

i was thinking

cook
hales
taylor
root
ballance
stokes/moeen
buttler

if ballance hasnt changed his technique getting him away from the moving ball and fresh bowlers is probably a good idea

I agree that Ballance on his return should be eased back in the middle order and Compton might well have been chosen as a straight replacement for Bell at 3. After all that's where he plays for Middlesex.

[Durhamfootman]

If Compton goes I can't see Hales opening.

http://www.trentbridge.co.uk/news/2015/ ... frica.html

[Aidan11]

Compton will probably bat at 3 in place of Bell.

[backfootpunch]

why has compton even been picked

his average last year was poor and he is getting on a bit, i get the feeling he is a stop gap selection to while bell has a rest revaluate

if bell wants to carry on he comes back in, if he doesnt then someone younger and more promising than compton gets picked for the summer

[Durhamfootman]

Aussies don't seem to mind selecting players over 30. Not sure why we should. The question of whether he had a good enough season this year is a valid one, which, I presume, the selectors have answered in their own minds