Following a period of
relative instability, the England selectors reverted to form in making few
changes to the side that toured India ahead of the forthcoming three-match Test
series in New Zealand.
Nineteen players were
called up to India at one point or another, and that group has been culled back
to the normal fifteen. Stuart Meaker and James Tredwell, brought out as cover,
miss out whilst Eoin Morgan, who also didn’t play is dropped. Samit Patel, who
is yet to play a Test outside of Asia, has also been excluded. None of these
should be viewed as surprise moves. In a slightly less anticipated move Tim
Bresnan was omitted, with Chris Woakes, who has been playing first-class
cricket in New Zealand, called up. Although Bresnan’s place ought to have been
in doubt anyway, following an average year since returning from elbow surgery,
the selectors insist that the reason for his absence is to allow further
assessment of the elbow.
From the XI that played
in Nagpur, nine can expect to start at Dunedin. All being well the returning
Steven Finn and Stuart Broad are likely to replace Bresnan and the unlucky
Monty Panesar. Some would question Broad’s return after a poor show in recent
Tests, but it was only 12 months ago that he starred in the toughest of
conditions against Pakistan, and this series should be a perfect opportunity to
rediscover his rhythm – if he can make himself fit. Graham Onions will again be
unfortunate to be on the sidelines and if injuries occur will likely be the man
to step up in conditions more likely to suit him than in India.
There may also be some
debate over the opening position vacated by Andrew Strauss at the end of last
summer. Nick Compton’s contributions were critical in setting a platform for
the middle-order before Christmas, but Michael Vaughan believes that Joe Root
should be promoted. That move would, however, be extremely harsh on Compton who
should get the chance to prove that he’s more than just a blocker. Meanwhile,
Root seems to be relishing his role in the England middle-order – a role which
he might just be able to nail down better than Morgan or Jonny Bairstow have.
The adjustments to the
one-day squad, curiously named some time back but now seemingly ripped up and
selected again, are perhaps more significant.
The decision to axe
Craig Kieswetter is likely to mark the end of the wicket-keeper’s international
career: although he is still just 25, there are a number of younger batsman who
‘keep just as well as him. Whilst he has had his moments, this England side
don’t like mediocrity and that is what has ultimately cost him. His immediate
successor at number six will be either Bairstow or Kieswetter’s Somerset
team-mate Jos Buttler. Although Bairstow has more ‘keeping experience in the
professional game, Buttler has looked perfectly adept when given the gloves
thus far. A shoot-out in the warm-up games and T20s may eventually dictate who
takes up what is something of a poisoned chalice.
In another change Jade
Dernbach will not be going to New Zealand. The Surrey paceman has struggled
with control so far in his international career, and probably needs to spend
some time with his county. James Harris and Chris Woakes have been called up,
despite the fact that neither of them generally excel with the white ball. However, as swing bowlers they might
enjoy New Zealand, and can be no worse than Dernbach, who is the most expensive
ODI bowler of all time.
In both formats of the
game England will be big favourites. England’s ODI XI will be stronger than
that South Africa fielded against New Zealand, and conditions will suit
England’s gameplan more than they did in India. Meanwhile, there is a clear gap
in quality in the long form of the game, where New Zealand lack depth, quality
and confidence.
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