The Ashes: Knee jerk media muppetry

Well, it didn’t take long.  Here is Scyld Berry calling for Mark Ramprakash to be called up for the Oval in a desparate, end of the world bid to win the Ashes.  Now, I have the greatest respect for Ramps, but Berry is still living in the 1920s if he thinks that recalling someone after 8 years out of the team is the way to go.

Steve James makes a far more reasoned case for England not to panic.  There are no feasible middle-order alternatives, and a do-or-die Ashes test is not the time to be introducing new blood.  He also makes a convincing case for England to revert to four bowlers after the Ashes, when they can no longer call upon Flintoff.  Again, there are no convincing alternatives to play the all-rounder’s role.

The media will demand a batting scapegoat, and Ravi Bopara is currently the flavour of the month.  The reality is that there are XI scapegoats for them to choose from.

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