Earlier today I saw the BBC Cricket page. On it was a post about who four different people thought should be the England XI come the summer tests against Sri Lanka. These four were Phil Tuffnell, Steve Harmison, Michael Vaughan and Simon Hughes. It goes without saying that these four clearly know their stuff, but I didn't agree completely with any of the teams that they had picked. So I thought I would have a go at creating my own team. So here goes.
1 - Captain Cook.
England captain. World class opening batsman. He is the only man that I have put into this team without even hesitating. Although there have been some calls (mainly by people who know little about cricket) for his head after the 5-0 defeat down under, Cook is a quality batsman and an ever learning captain. Because of this he is, for my money, going to be facing the first ball of an England innings come June.
2 - Joe Root
He showed his massive potential in the summer against the Aussies, and was labelled as a future opening batsman. With the ageing Michael Carberry failing to capitalise on his chance to shine and cement a spot as opener, Root is the obvious choice for me. He may not hit the ground running, he will take time to mould into an international opener, but with a busy summer ahead, I believe Root should be the given the chance to play every test against Sri Lanka and India and solidify most peoples belief that he is a star in the making.
3 - Ian Bell
Every BBC writer had Ian Bell as their number 3, and I'm no different. A genuine stroke player, we all know what Bell is capable of. Of course this could all change if Jonathan Trott makes a drastic recovery and regains some form, but unfortunatly I can't see this happening.
4 - Kevin Pietersen
Like Cook, there have been some calls for KP to be for the chop, but I can't see why. Yes he got out playing some "interesting" shots during the series, but he still scored more runs than anyone else in the England camp. Could definitely do with a few games with Surrey rather than the IPL to regain his mojo, but he's in my team every day of the week.
5 - Gary Ballance
I rate Ballance highly as a player, and that is the reason why he is in my team. He steadied the sinking ship in the first innings at Sydney, showing his credentials as an England player. His full potential has yet to be seen, so I would like to see him be given his chance for the three tests against Sri Lanka, and then review the number 5 position against India.
6 - Ben Stokes
Before the winter I thought Stokes wasn't good enough. I thought his bowling would get hit to all parts and he would be score poorly with the bat. I was wrong. He has been excellent. A battling hundred in Perth, and six wickets in Sydney. This lad can play. After Captain Cook he was the second name on my teamsheet. Looking forward to seeing what he can offer in home conditions. Hopefully it will be even better than what we all saw in Oz.
7 - Matt Prior
Jonny Bairstow has had his fair share of chances in the England team. His batting is okay, but I just can't see him hitting big centuries on the international stage. As for his keeping, he looked like a man who hasn't spent enough time with the gloves on. That's why Matt Prior is in my team. An experienced gloveman, who I think will return all guns blazing with the bat in the summer, he is a top class player. Like Pietersen, could definitely do with a couple of games for his county.
8 - Scott Borthwick
This spinners position was a bit of a toss up between Borthwick and Panesar. Panesar is a good player, not world class, but he will take wickets. But Borthwick can offer a lot more with the bat than Monty, which is part of the reason I have chosen him. Like Ballance, I would give him the three tests against Sri Lanka and bring in Monty if he's poor.
9 - Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad is a very good bowler. He can devastate a batting lineup in a spell of bowling when he's on song. For this reason he is in my team. Simple.
10 - James Anderson
Jimmy is a brilliant swing bowler. He didn't have the best series in Australia, but back in home conditions I'll be backing him to pick up 30 wickets if not more wickets in the 8 tests England have this summer. He is no spring chicken, but for this summer at least, he offers a hell of a lot to this England bowling attack.
11 - Graham Onions
I think Graham Onions is a fantastic bowler. I can't see why he hasn't been in the test side more. Finn goes for too many runs, and should spend the summer playing for Middlesex. Bresnan is a handy bowler to have but I think Onions is better. Mills is only 21, give him another couple of years to develop and become a better bowler. I think Onions has the ability to take bagfuls of wickets this summer, and he has done everything on the county circuit to merit being picked.
Only time will tell if my 11 is accurate or complete rubbish, but I think, with this 11 playing, we can blow away Sri Lanka and then India this summer...
