Strauss looking for two more for the Ashes

Andrew Strauss in a recent interview told us that he was certain of nine of the places for the Ashes XI this summer.  I think it would be safe to assume that the 9 are:

  1. Strauss
  2. Cook
  3. Pietersen
  4. Collingwood
  5. Flintoff
  6. Prior
  7. Broad
  8. Swann
  9. Anderson

This leaves room for one additional batsman, probably in the number 3 slot, and a bowler.  The favourite for the batting spot would likely be from Shah, Bell, Bopara and Vaughan.  However, with no definitive argument as yet for any of these four, there may yet be room for another to force their way in, although they would probably need to do so in time to be selected against the West Indies before the Ashes.

As for the bowlers spot, the type of bowler could depend on the conditions, with 3 seamers and a spinner inked in.  Panesar, Sidebottom and Harmison have all seen their standing within the squad diminished in the Caribbean, whilst Amjad Khan has seen limited action so far.  Perhaps the opportunity remains for someone like Matthew Hoggard or Simon Jones to stake a claim with their early season form.

Injuries may also play a role, but it is interesting to see the team announced for the MCC match against champions Durham.  In addition to Vaughan and Bell are a number of players who would be hoping to impress – Rob Key, Adil Rashid, James Foster and Saj Mahmood in particular.  Whether or not this reflects the selectors thinking we can only speculate.

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