Our England World Cup 15
On Wednesday, England name the 15 men they hope will see them gain their first ever World Cup crown in the West Indies in March and April.
The selectors nominated a 30-man provisional party last month but they have received permission to pick from outside that group for the final squad.
BBC Sport Interactive's team of journalists pick the squads they would send to the Caribbean.
MARTIN GOUGH
Michael Vaughan (capt), Ian Bell, Ed Joyce, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Ravi Bopara, Paul Collingwood, Jamie Dalrymple, Andrew Flintoff, Chris Read (wkt), Jon Lewis, James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood, Monty Panesar, Liam Plunkett
Should I pick the team that will go or the team I want to go?
I'll do a bit of both, with the one big change from England's policy the choice of Chris Read - who did well with the bat in the one-day series in West Indies in 2004 - over Paul Nixon.
England stand a far better chance with Michael Vaughan at the helm so he goes despite his injury niggles, with the proviso that Andrew Strauss skippers against Canada, Kenya and any other game considered not worth risking Captain Fantastic.
Much as I love the suggestions he may be a relation (he's not - he has athletic talent) and despite his recent fine form in beach cricket, I can't see Darren Gough making an impression.
The one player who could have made a real difference to England's chances is Steve Harmison, who apparently can't be bothered with the one-day game and wasn't in the provisional 30. Given the chance, I would pick him and make his reaction public.
PARESH SONI
Strauss (capt), Bell, Cook, Joyce, Pietersen, Shah, Collingwood, Flintoff, Read (wkt), Anderson, Broad, Giles, Lewis, Panesar, Plunkett
I would let Flintoff focus solely on getting back to being a match-winner. Doubts about his fitness mean I wouldn’t risk Vaughan, so Strauss is my pick as skipper.
Shah is one of the better players of spin around and will do well on the slowish pitches in the Caribbean. I think Cook can play in an attacking style and has more ability than Loye.
I would do away with the bits-and-pieces players like Dalrymple and have specialist spinners.
Unfortunately I have to go with Ashley Giles along with Panesar more by default - there is no-one else at the moment who can do the job. While the pitches aren't ideal for Stuart Broad, I think he is a better option than Chris Tremlett.
The one thing England lack, more than anything is someone explosive to open and come in lower down.
Sadly I can't think of anyone other than the unproven James Benning who could come in from the outside and play that role - but he doesn't offer enough with the ball or in the field to justify inclusion.
ANNA THOMPSON
Strauss (capt), Joyce, Loye, Bell, Pietersen, Bopara, Collingwood, Dalrymple, Flintoff, Read (wkt), Anderson, Chapple, Mahmood, Panesar, Plunkett
I don't believe Michael Vaughan will be fit enough to go so I've omitted him and handed the captaincy to Andrew Strauss.
This is because Strauss's form improved when he captained England last summer plus he has a decent record playing in the Caribbean.
I've gone for Ravi Bopara because he looked in confident nick against Australia (and took the wicket of Mike Hussey).
Although Chris Read has not played during the Commonwealth Bank Series, Paul Nixon did not prove to me he was any better with the gloves or the bat so I'll go with Read as wicket-keeper.
I've sneaked Glen Chapple in as I think he is a good bowler, decent batsmen and experienced all-round cricketer.
OLIVER BRETT
Flintoff (capt), Strauss, Loye, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Shah, Collingwood, Giles, Panesar, Read (wkt), Plunkett, Anderson, Lewis, Chapple
If Michael Vaughan batted like Sachin Tendulkar in one-day internationals then he’d be on the plane. But he doesn’t, and his recent fitness record is not good enough.
Andrew Strauss was in awful form in Australia, but will prefer West Indian conditions. He hit two fifties in three innings in the West Indies at the start of his one-day international career.
Owais Shah is one of the best one-day players in domestic cricket, and Glen Chapple brings some experience, albeit domestically, to a fairly inexperienced bowling attack.
Paul Nixon is keen, but is not international class either as a wicket-keeper or as a batsman. Jamie Dalrymple has not done quite enough to stay in the squad and England will want two good spinners in the Caribbean so must welcome back Ashley Giles.
JAMIE LILLYWHITE
Vaughan (capt), Loye, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Strauss, Collingwood, Bopara, Flintoff, Nixon (wkt), Anderson, Lewis, Plunkett, Panesar, Broad
The main areas of contention are the captaincy - and therefore the opening batting positions - and the wicket-keeping slot.
I wanted Vaughan's tactical acumen so will gamble on his fitness. Loye offers both cover and an option to open the innings with Joyce.
The first-choice batting needs to have a balance of accumulators to complement the power hitters, with Pietersen and Flintoff given maximum opportunity to use as many overs as possible.
Nixon's constant chatter may have infuriated many but his brand of spirited combativeness binds the team.
With Read undoubtedly deflated by Duncan Fletcher's prolonged preference for ANYONE else and Matt Prior sadly unlikely to provide many runs at the highest level, the garrulous Foxes left-hander could provide some unorthodox late-order contributions.
Mahmood is a talented bowler but is probably too expensive while the slower but more accurate Anderson and Lewis may find sufficient movement to take early wickets.
It should be a team of specialists rather than a collection of bits and pieces players, so Dalrymple misses out. Collingwood could easily bowl a full allocation and Pietersen may be able to fill some overs.
Just room for two wild(ish) cards, Broad as the paceman to unsettle batsmen and weigh in with some late order runs and Bopara as a useful all-rounder - but not bits and pieces!
PAUL GRUNILL
Vaughan (capt), Strauss (vice-capt), Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple, Nixon (wkt), Plunkett, Panesar, Anderson, Bopara, Lewis, Broad
Nothing radical in my squad – but I’d revert to a plan first mooted before the Champions Trophy and send Freddie Flintoff in first.
You need to make the most of the powerplay overs and Mal Loye didn’t do enough to convince me in Australia.
Another reason for the move is Freddie’s vulnerability against spin bowlers who will be used in the middle overs.
Such is Michael Vaughan’s importance as captain that he should go even if he only plays in four or five matches.
I’d have Andrew Strauss in charge for the games Vaughan doesn’t play, but he could be struggling to make the final XI for the others.
Ravi Bopara is in there to allow Paul Collingwood a couple of games off; Jamie Dalrymple gets in because his fielding is better than that of Ashley Giles and Stuart Broad is preferred to Sajid Mahmood because I think he’s mentally tougher.
My team would be
Flintoff,Collingwood,Pietersen,Bell,Nixon(wk),Plunkett,Anderson,Lewis,Panesar,Loye,Broad,Bopara,Joyce,Dalrymple,Vaughan(capt)
I would never risk taking Struss keeping in mind his pathetic form over the past few weeks and as it is he is not a reliable ODI player, even Vaughan but we need him for his captaincy more that his batting.
Complain about this postMy team would be
Flintoff,Collingwood,Pietersen,Bell,Nixon(wk),Plunkett,Anderson,Lewis,Panesar,Loye,Broad,Bopara,Joyce,Dalrymple,Vaughan(capt)
I would never risk taking Struss keeping in mind his pathetic form over the past few weeks and as it is he is not a reliable ODI player, even Vaughan but we need him for his captaincy more that his batting.
Complain about this postVaughan (c)
Joyce
Loye
Bell
Pietersen
Strauss
Collingwood
Freddie (v-c)
Bopara
Read
Plunkett
Dalrymple
Broad
Gough
Anderson
Lewis
I'd prefer Freddie not have the responsibility of captaining the side in Vaughan's absence, but making Strauss the skipper means he has to play and he seems like the one most likely to make way for Pietersen's return.
Complain about this postMy team would be
Flintoff,Collingwood,Pietersen,Bell,Nixon(wk),Plunkett,Anderson,Lewis,Panesar,Loye,Broad,Bopara,Joyce,Dalrymple,Vaughan(capt)
I would never risk taking Struss keeping in mind his pathetic form over the past few weeks and as it is he is not a reliable ODI player, even Vaughan but we need him for his captaincy more that his batting.
Complain about this postNo real problems with any of those squads except for the wicketkeeping role. Nixon, to me, has not really done enough in front of the stumps to justify his inclusion; his batting has been average and at times, poor. But his keeping has been almost faultless, and his constant chirruping has had the Aussies and Kiwis worried. Oh dear, this post sounds familiar. I sound like I'm reopening the Jones v Read debate. Read is an exceptional keeper but he hasn't played one-day cricket since the Champions Trophy where he was shocking, so I can't see how his inclusion can be justified either.
Complain about this postGlad to see Strauss is still being kept after his average winter; he will be settled to Caribbean conditions and I believe he could do well. Vaughan's fitness is a problem. There are too many ifs or buts about him being in the team. If England are to stand any chances of doing well in this World Cup, they must take a squad of 15 mentally and physically fit players, and I'm afraid I don't think that includes Vaughan.
Not ideal but probably the best we can play at the moment:
Open with Vaughan and Loye, because Vaughan's experience will be essential and Loye just might come off.
Bell and Pietersen to follow : the first to either counteract any problems and the second to provide impetus.Collingwood obviously at five, and Flintoff at six, though a specialist batsman like Strauss or Joyce might be more useful with Flintoff coming in at seven. Bopara looked an interesting prospect and would be my choice to bat at seven. Nixon has to be wicketkeeper batting at eight simply because his energy drives the team forward. Spin bowling is a major problem because Panesar does not look to be equipped for one day cricket, and regrettably the best is still probably Giles to bat at nine. Mahmood has more control than Plunkett and should bat at ten with Anderson at eleven.
The remaining four players should be: Strauss, Joyce, Plunkett and Dalrymple.
If there are problems with Anderson's fitness then Broad might be worth a gamble.
Complain about this postI don't really understand the D/L method so can someone explain why Australia had 33 overs to achieve a winning total but their innings ended on 27 overs with wickets still in hand
Complain about this postMy 15:
Flintoff (Captain)
Joyce
Bell
Strauss
Pieterson
Collingwood
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Lewis
Anderson
Panesar
Mahmood
Broad
Shah
No Vaughan in this team. Flintoff has been an inspired captain in the last few matches and deserves to lead the side in the world cup. Vaughan is an exceptional captain but is not a one-day batsmen and is too injury prone to be risked. I would retain Nixon - he is certainly a team man, a decent wicketkeeper and dependable in pressure situations. Moreover, it is too late now to try anyone else and poor Read must be so deflated.
Complain about this postMy starting XI would be...
Loye
Joyce
Vaughan (c) / Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon (wk)
Plunkett
Lewis
Panesar
And I would have Anderson, Broad and Bopara as the other squad memebers.
Strauss needs to take a break after a poor winter series and england showed some good attacking intent towards the end of the series with Joyce and Loye opening.
I like PAUL GRUNILL's idea about maybe bring Vaughan in against the bigger nations, so let Freddie captain against the mino's as Bell can easily slot into that number 3 spot.
Complain about this postMichael Vaughn can have a huge influence on our young side - without playing! Surely his fitness worries mean he shouldn't take a valuable place in the squad. However, he should travel as a non-player.
Complain about this postMy team would be:
Vaughan, Joyce, Loye, Bell, Strauss, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Nixon, Plunkett, Lewis, Anderson, Panesar, Dalrymple, Broad.
As an aside, I cannot believe that Graveney is already talking about 'going the whole hog' in the world cup. Yes, the boys did very well to win this but Australia did play uncharacteristically badly in the last 2 or 3 games. The team would have to play well on a regular basis over the whole world cup and whilst I would love to believe that they will this is not likely to happen!
Complain about this postMy team would be:
Vaughan, Joyce, Loye, Bell, Strauss, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Nixon, Plunkett, Lewis, Anderson, Panesar, Dalrymple, Broad.
As an aside, I cannot believe that Graveney is already talking about 'going the whole hog' in the world cup. Yes, the boys did very well to win this but Australia did play uncharacteristically badly in the last 2 or 3 games. The team would have to play well on a regular basis over the whole world cup and whilst I would love to believe that they will this is not likely to happen!
Complain about this postCan someone please explain to me what Paul Nixon has done wrong behind the stumps - he has not missed a thing and has provided the energy that the team needed in the field.
Granted he's more a nurdler than someone who will clear the ropes in the final few overs but in the first final do you really think Prior/Read would have had the sheer bottle and guts to finish the game like he did with Collingwood.
He's a short term option at 36 but for me he deserves to be there!
Complain about this postit rained again that's why
Complain about this postCan someone please explain to me what Paul Nixon has done wrong behind the stumps - he has not missed a thing and has provided the energy that the team needed in the field.
Granted he's more a nurdler than someone who will clear the ropes in the final few overs but in the first final do you really think Prior/Read would have had the sheer bottle and guts to finish the game like he did with Collingwood.
He's a short term option at 36 but for me he deserves to be there!
Complain about this postI think the biggest problem area is wicket keeper. Whilst Nixon was not impressive - missed chances and only averaged 11 in 10 innings (with 48 being in one innings), he has given energy to the fielding. Also I think it is too late to bring any other wicket keeper in.
As such, the starting XI is:
Vaughan (c)
Joyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon (wk)
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Other four squad players:
Loye
Strauss
Lewis
Mahmood
A new ball combination of Plunkett and Anderson will offer movement with Flintoff to come on if control is lacking.
Complain about this postDalrymple and Panesar to tie the middle overs down and Collingwood and Pietersen as back up bowlers.
Wish Batty at Worcester had a couple more years of cricket behind him.
vaughan (cpt) loye, joyce,bell, pietersen,collingwood, flintoff, dalrymple, nixon(wk), anderson, plunkett, mahmood, lewis , panesar,broad
Complain about this posti think KP will b fit 2 go so i wud put him in my squad coz he is class!!!!
Complain about this postVaughan - if fit
Complain about this postJoyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Saj
Plunkett
Monty
---
Loye
Strauss - opens instead of an unfit Vaughan
Lewis
Anderson
---
Cook as back-up if Vaughan unfit
vaughan (c)
Complain about this postloye
bell
pieterson
collingwood
flintoff
dalrymple
foster (ok, ok) - nixon
lewis
panesar
anderson
rest of squad - joyce (to replace injured vaughan), bopara (for his cheeky bowling, but i guess strauss will go), plunkett, mahmood (we are blatently going to get more bowling injuries)
I can't believe that people are suggesting that Dalrymple be left out. Admittedly he's not the most explosive player, but so far his economy rate as a bowler is somewhere near 4.5, demonstrating his ability to slow the run rate whilst chipping in with the odd wicket. He's a very useful middle-overs player and should definitely be in the starting line-up for the World Cup. For Mr. Lillywhite to suggest leaving him out as being a "bits and pieces" player in favour of Bopara is something of a contradiction - Bopara would do the same job as Dalrymple (middle order runs, with some nicely controlled dibbly dobblers). I'm beginning to wonder where the BBC get these "experts" from.
Complain about this postThey have to take the lads who have pulled together so magnicentlt in Oz. Should be read but will be nixon. wont be gough.
Complain about this postI dont know what to say.
Complain about this postCompletely agree with William - Dalrymple has to go, done well and deserves to be stuck with, Bopara definately has something about him and one to look out for.
Dalrymple offers more than just "dibbly dobblers" and can do a good job in the lower middle order, and good in the field as todays Collingwood-esque catch showed!
Tough call to leave Strauss out especially on the slower/lower wickets in WI, I can see him doing a good job at No.4 in the WC.
Complain about this postIn batting order:
Joyce
Strauss (hopefully he will pick up some form)
Bell (fairly reliable)
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff (capt.)
Bopara
Read (wk.)
Plunkett
Panesar
Anderson
Subs:
Complain about this postVaughan (if fit to bat WELL he replaces Strauss)
Shah
Mahmood
Broad
dalrymple must go as hes more than just a bits and pieces player and as for his fielding well first class
Complain about this postStarting 11
loye
Joyce
Vaughan (capt)
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff (v-c)
Dalrymple
Jones (wk)
Broad
Plunket
Panesar
RESERVES
Shah
Anderson
Bell
Lewis
Four players and only three places Strauss, Pietersen, Loye, Vaughan and Strauss is the worst out of them all and Bell isn't in becuase he holds up the innings and doesn't score the runs
Complain about this postThank god you people don't select our squad you make David Graveney look marvellous.
My Starting XI
E C Joyce
M B Loye
I R Bell
K P Pietersen
P D Collingwood
A Flintoff (c)
J W M Dalrymple
M Prior
L E Plunkett
S I Mahmood
M S Panesar
R Bopara
M Vaughan
S Broad
J Lewis
Vaughan remains the best one-day captain in the world but i can't see who you would drop out of that starting XI, how will we find out if Matt Prior is any good at international level unless he gets a good run in the team, Jamie Lillywhite. Nixon will probably go but being good at banter is not valid reason to pick someone for one of the most important positions on the field. There are still question marks over Mahmood and Plunkett but Jon Lewis has great control and will be dangerous if the ball swings.
Complain about this postI can't wait to get back to work. I have copped heaps from the "sporting" Aussie public, even though some of these don't know a thing about cricket. I shall say nothing; the Aussies can cry foul and blame all and sundry for losing to us cheating cowardly PB's. One thing is for sure, they will not admit to losing fairly, this time I am going to log all their excuses, accusations and complaints and publish them. Eh! Eh!
Complain about this postI think it would be a huge error if Nixon were not included in the squad. Although he has (apparently) not proved himself as a batsman, his wicket-keeping has been, ignoring the occasional blunder, exceptional.
Of immense importance is Nixon's character, enthusiasm, and the influence he has on the team. He is constantly chattering away, geeing up bowlers and fielders, putting off the batsmen, and generally being a nuisance. He is vocal, and this is something the England team has needed from a wicket-keeper for some time. Both Read and Jones are supposedly handier with the bat, but neither of them is a presence on the pitch. Nixon is a far more imposing figure behind the stumps.
And what of Nixon's batting deficiencies? According to recent statistics from cricinfo.com, in ODIs Nixon averages 11.55 from 10 innings compared to Jones' 24.69 from 41 and Read's 17.64 from 24. Perhaps if Nixon is given more games, his average will start to increase.
Although 1st class cricket and ODIs are worlds apart, the stats still make for interesting reading. Jones averages 30.29 with a best score of 108 not out, Read is 30.88 with a bs of 160, and Nixon is 32.90, his best score being 144 not out. Admittedly Nixon has played far more 1st class cricket than the other two, and has had more innings from which to amass a decent average; but so Jones and Read have played more ODIs, thus giving them more opportunities to achieve better batting averages than Nixon.
Safe hands? In ODIs Jones averages 1.4 catches per match, Read is at 1.1, with Nixon 1.3. As for 1st class cricket, Jones averages 3 per match, Read 2.9, and Nixon 2.6. I'm the first to admit that statistics aren't everything and that there are, of course, many variables to be taken into account (I really have no idea how many dropped catches or missed stumpings/run-outs there have been); my point is simply that as batsmen and wicket-keepers, perhaps the three are closer than people realise.
No one in this 15-man squad will be perfect in his role, but that's life. England needs characters, people whose desire to win and whose pride to be playing for their country is apparent and addictive. Nixon's influence on the pitch should be neither belittled nor ignored. And the art of unsettling the opposition's batsmen needs to be exploited; Nixon is the man for the job.
Alongside Flintoff and Collingwood, Nixon has exemplified the grit and determination which will be needed to win in the Caribbean. He really should be on the plane.
Complain about this postflintoff (captain)
Complain about this poststrauss,cook,bell,collingwood,pietersen, nixon,harmison,hoggard,monty,mahmood,joyce,vaughan(use if neccesary),dalrymple and plunkett
re all pro nixon
He has great character unfortunatly it is not enough on its own. You are right to think read will be deflated also that it may be too late with no more cricket to play to bring in foster/prior.
I however would play read or foster despite what i have just said. As no 8's in the one day game nothing really seperates any of them - behind the stumps the gap in class is obvious. Saved byes, smart stumpings and catches taken are vital with such narrow margins seperating teams. The ability to keep well stood up to panasear,collingwood,dalryple,bopara even lewis or hoggard (on slow pitches) could change games.
A keeper is better setting the tone through his glovework than his 'chat'. If he can do both great but the keeping is more important it sets the tone for a good side.
Nixon's faults are his poor footwork this results in a lot of diving covering less ground. This explains the leg byes off anderson and plunkett. The bowling was poor but with an inexperienced attack thats the way it is.
2nd his hands are hard - a simple miss stood up off colly the other night against nz.
Lastley i cant explain the miss stood back off freddie recently, he did not get gloves close and the ball hit him in the chest.
In conclusion i would want to see how chris read is after another depressing tour, if he is 'too deflated' which i doubt, only then would i pick james foster.
Complain about this postVaughan (Capt) A man with a brain for cricket
Pietersen- No one Explosive Soni? Have you never seen this man play?
Ed Joyce- Solid player
Strauss- Out of form with the bat, but an excellent slip fielder, which is very important
Bell- Ability to keep his head and steady the ship, and reliable hands
Collingwood- No justification needed
Flintoff- Gaining confidence with bat and ball
Dalrymple- An excellent catch slides him into my pick, that form can win a match, also adds a reliable 30-odd to the total
Nixon: Now also with international experience
Read: As good as Nixon really
Hoggard- A hard worker who reaps rewards
Mahmood- A sudden rise to form has been impressive
Plukett- Pudsey has come right out of the woodwork and thoroughly earns a place if he can get out Gilchrist with the first ball of the innings
Panesar- Gets the crowd going, the ball spinning and the wickets tumbling
Anderson- The skipper can throw him the ball and know the run rate won't sky rocket
Complain about this postMy Team Would be:
Joyce
Vaughan (c)
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Dalrymple
Plunket
Anderson
Panesar
Subs
Loye
Strauss
Foster (wkt)
Mahmood
Broad
Much like everyone elese i`m going with a if its not broke why fix it menatality. I do believe in the field nixon has had a positive effect, but i ask myself the question who is going to score me a fifty and potentially win me a tight game or score a quick fire 30 at the end of a innings and that is why i have gone for Prior. Vaughans inclusion in my eyes is a no brainer as we are twice the team with him captaining. I would also like to take this opertunity to thank Marcus Trescothick for wonderful service to the england team and to wish him the best for the future.
Joyce will have to perform well as in Strauss we have a quality player just waiting for an opportunity to come back into the team, bearing in mind he is also a very good fielder.
Complain about this postJoyce
Vaughn (C)
Bell
Pietersen
Flintoff
Nixon
Plunkett
Lewis
Anderson
Panesar
subs
strauss
Complain about this postDalrymple
Broad
Loye
Why is there any suggestion that Strauss should be dropped? The batting line up has generally been poor and there are no better alternatives available. He has looked in reasonable form without going on to convert starts. We need to continue to back him. Also he is the best bet as vice captain to Vaughan as he proved during the summer. There should be no changes from the eleven that beat the Aussies (do we need reminding that the reason we started the Ashes defence so badly was bringing players back from injury over ones who had generally acquitted themselves well when given their chances?). Add on Vaughan for his inspirational captaincy, Broad and Anderson for fast bowling backup and Pieterson and things look good. Darymphle will prosper on the West Indian wickets (look at the occasional West Indian spinners like Gayle and Smith who seem to flourish there). He can also hit the ball.
Complain about this postJoyce
Vaughn (C)
Bell
Pietersen
Flintoff
Collingwood
Nixon
Plunkett
Lewis
Anderson
Panesar
subs
strauss
Complain about this postDalrymple
Broad
Loye
I would pick
1/Trescothick (12/ Loye if tresco not available)
2/Vaughan (13/Joyce as sub)
3/Pietersen
4/Collingwood
5/Flintoff
6/Read (Wkt)
7/Dalrympl
8/Anderson
9/Panesar
10/Broad
11 Plunkett
Have we forgot how good no 1 is. If tresco would have played in the Test Matches we would not have lost at least 2 of them. The bowling is a worry and we need to take some inexperience players. I think that mahmood is too expensive !!. Flintoff & KP need to be seperated and Collingwood is purfect at no 4. Bell can go as a sub but does not score runs quick enough. I was disappointed with Nixon, What did he go for. He cannot hit the ball out of the ground (Read Can) and reads keeps just as good.
Having said that, I AM a true England supporter and will support them however they do!!!
Complain about this postAt 05:55 PM on 11 Feb 2007, Mark Peile wrote: Can someone please explain to me what Paul Nixon has done wrong behind the stumps - he has not missed a thing and has provided the energy that the team needed in the field.
Granted he's more a nurdler than someone who will clear the ropes in the final few overs but in the first final do you really think Prior/Read would have had the sheer bottle and guts to finish the game like he did with Collingwood.
He's a short term option at 36 but for me he deserves to be there!
Spot on Mark.....Nixon has IMO been faultless behind the stumps and although he hasnt been on fire with the bat he has done ok....Hes a real team player and its been along time since ive seen an English wicket keeper giving the oppo batsmen some verbal when they are at the crease...If it were my choice id take him to the WC
Complain about this postnixon - too many byes partic leg side
drop stood back off flintoff was apalling not even club level hit him in the chest
no footwork (as a keeper)
hands too hard
just not good enough
agreed nice bloke team man etc but so was g.jones.
read or foster are the best keeper/batsmen in the country no question
Complain about this postMy Squad would be:
K Pietersen, I Bell, M Vaughan (capt), E Joyce, O Shah, A Strauss, A Flintoff, P Collingwood, J Dalrymple, J Anderson, L Plunkett, M Panesar, J Lewis, S Mahmood, P Nixon.
I would plump for Shah over the aging Loye, who hasnt proved that he is adaptable to the big game, and only has one pace which relies more on one or two shots, not a range.
Complain about this postIf Lewis doesnt recover from his achiles injury then I would have Broad as cover, but fingers crossed, as Lewis is dangerous with the new ball.
And the only other contenious place I think is wicket keeper, but as no one has proved anything will the bat, Im more confident with Nixon's character.
Strauss
Vaughan (c)
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Read
Dalrymple
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Vaughan is critical to England's chances if he is fit due to his tactical knowledge of the game
Complain about this postDalrymple is a very capable all rounder with outstanding fielding, useful batsman and a good bowler
In my opinion Read is the best keeper in England and all England need is a keeper who does his job. if he gets runs than it is a bonus.
Plunkett and Anderson have both impressed me recently with pace and maturity. They are still learning but there is no doubt that there is great potential in both of them.
Got to have Vaughan as captain, hes stats are far superior to any of his rivals. Even in the Trianglar Series he did wel captaining 3 and winning 2. Surely this means even with the fitness problem hes the best choice. Despite Flintoff's recent captaining heroics against Australia in the finals, i would still have Strauss as vice captain.
Complain about this postI'd have
1. Joyce
2. Loye
3. Bell (Interchangeable with KP depending on situation)
4. KP
5. Collingwood
6. Freddie (Capt.)
7. Nixon (WK)
8. Dalrymple
9. Plunkett
10. Monty!
11. Anderson
Squad Players - Strauss, Giles, Read, Mahmood & Bopara
If the team lose an early wicket, Bell should go in at three. If, however, the openers make a good start, then send KP in and let the mayhem begin!!!
Complain about this post01. Joyce
02. Loye
03. Bell
04. Peitersen
05. Collingwood
06. Flintoff
07. Vaughn (c)
08. Plunkett
09. Nixon (wk)
10. Anderson
11. Panesar
---------------
12. Lewis
13. Strauss
14. Dalrymple
15. Bopara
The balance of the team in the last few games has been excellent and the inclusion of KP can only make the top order stronger. Joyce & loye have shown enough to suggest they will be a very good opening pair in the not too distant future, and at present are giving us a good platform (except at the MCG) at the start of our innings.
Complain about this postVaughn has to be in the side, as captain. Don't under estimate his influence in the last few games from the balcony... every other injured player flew home remember.
Losing a bowler to get KP & Vaughn back in the side shouldn't be a problem. Collingwood has shown he's more than capable and KP, Bell & Vaughn can all bowl a few, ala Clarke, Symonds & White.
Bopara, Dalrymple or Strauss can be played instead of Vaughn if we need to rest him against the smaller sides. And Lewis & Bopara provide decent cover for the Bowlers.
A last 4 finish should be acheivable, with a bit of luck along the way and we should be very happy with that!! Remeber that a week ago it was being suggested that we shouldnt even bother turning up. What a difference a week makes...
Why do people put Giles in? Monty has shown himself to be a half decent fielder, out one day tail isn't as long as the test tail ans as a spinner there is one thing you are meant to do. SPIN THE BALL! Giles gets no turn and i doubt that in an area like the west indies a player who bowls slow and does nothign with it, is going to have much sucess.
Complain about this postNixon should be in for presence, ok he is old, but the rest of teh team is young, one old head resting on 10 young shoulders is a recipe for sucess.
The XI should be Vaughan, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple, Nixon, Plunkett, Anderson, Panesar.
Whether the two basic problems - bowlers giving away too many extras and batsmen not playing through the full 50 overs - have been sorted, only time will tell.
I don't think that some half decent perfomances at the end of this series tell us one way or another.
Complain about this postI am faintly incredulous at reading these suggested changes to a successful side. Do the other commentators not realise the benefit of team harmony and sense of united purpose? I am currently living in Australia (although English)so have a decent understanding of what this current side have had to put up with.
Complain about this postNixon has been near faultless behind the stumps and a thorn in the side of opposing players although his batting has left a lot to be desired at times and Dalrymple`s contributions whilst not overtly matchwinning should not be underestimated. Therefore my XV is:
Vaughan(c) Flintoff (vc) Joyce Bell Pietersen Collingwood Dalrymple Nixon (wk) Plunkett Mahmood Panesar Strauss Bopara Broad Lewis
Beating Australia in three ODI in succession is unheard of in recent cricket history of One Day Cricket . Paul Collingwood has come out trumps.Mal Loye has played his part as an aggrssive opener. Liam Plnkett has bowled brilliantly to clean bowl Adam Gilchrist ,the One Day great ,in two innings on Ausralian wickets.. It is a fantastic achievement for any fast bowler. Finally, Fred Flinstoff had a great influence on the Team with his fighting spirit.I was there in person and I patted him on his back as he returnrd to the English Dressing Room after the great win on Sunday
Complain about this postthe squad WILL be...
VAUGHAN
JOYCE
Loye
BELL
PIETERSEN
Strauss
COLLINGWOOD
FLINTOFF
DALRYMPLE
NIXON
PLUNKETT
ANDERSON
PANESAR
Mahmood
Lewis
I'll offer 5-1 to someone predicting a correct different XV and 6-4 on a correct different player, except Broad who is even money!
Complain about this postA failed team in Australia,now a world wide disaster they will prove themselves.Like everything else,England has nothing.Rootes group,Bedford trucks,gone along with the standard of cricket,football and even education.
Complain about this postLoye
Vaughan
Bell
KP
Joyce
Colly
Flintoff
Nixon
Anderson
Plunkett
Panesar
Loye must be allowed to open as he is the only player we have in the mold of gilchrest, sehwag or gayle. These players are all aggresive openers who can change the pattern of a match. Not saying that loye is in the class of these but he is a similar player. also Dalrymple is a good player but I feel he doesn't offer enough as a bowler and vaughan who has always been underated as a bowler could bowl the part time overs with collingwood and even bell and pieterson if required. Batting depth is more important at ODI level. Joyce can be a middle order batsmen he has played there for middlesex there and can alter his game to the situation whereas other palyers in the squad cant do that at number five, apart from maybe colly.
Complain about this poststartin IX
Loye
Prior (wkt)
KP
Bell
Flintoff (captain)
Collingwood
Bopara
Pluckett
Broad
Pansear
Anderson
that has a good mix of power and touch players and this batting lineup wood b flexible and the bowlers i think on da west indies pitches wood b perfect having freddie and jimmy as ur strike bowlers and pluckett and broad as backups, monty wood do a job keeping 1 end quite and have collingwood or bopara as slower bowling options. i think nthat strauss and vaughan arent one-day players that england need right now, as wiv freddie as captain england have won da CB series and strauss is form is shocking having them in the squad is important but having them in the starting XI is a pushing 2 much. in addition have matt prior as the wicketkeeper is important as he is a aggeresive opener and wiv loye i think that will b a great opening attack if they both fire at the same time
Complain about this postI think it's crazy to play Vaughan for his captaincy, ignoring his poor batting form. You may afford that in Tests but not in ODIs. Freddie has proved himself a more than capable leader and should keep the captaincy if he wants it. Nixon has done a reasonable job as keeper and has scored as many runs as he has needed to. Plus, the rest of the team seem to gel with him. Essentially, I would field the team that beat the Aussies, with Pietersen in for Strauss and Anderson for Dalrymple. Other members of the squad would be Lewis, Bopara, Read, and Chapple.
Complain about this postSome of these 'Bloggers from the Boundary' have no idea about how Australia win matches, they have a team of Paul Nixon's that's how! They talk about talent, but Nixon's attitude was clearly a motivating force in the final one day matches. The same applies to Collingwood, you need a champion team not a team of champions, corny but true! I have never seen any of your guys playing County cricket, but it was great to see some of them getting a chance and grabbing it. Unlike some of your more precious 'Champions'.
Complain about this postChris Read is alot better Wicket Keeper than Nixon and JOnes! Chris Read should be one of the 1st names on the teamsheet!!
Complain about this postI guess ianp1970 is one clever man in this whole page. Why would you change a winning unit?
Nixon's nous and enthusiasm has visibly lifted the Team except james lillywhite probably didn't bother seeing the matches. Dalrymple is better than bopara for time bieng because he offers more of a bowling option and better fielding, and he's a striker of the ball(slogger). if you expect people to score centuries from no.8 England are in trouble.
Though I think bopara can play instead of strauus, because he knows how to bat.
Complain about this postVaughan (captain), Strauss, Mal Loye, Bell, Pietersen, Flintoff, Collingwood, Chris Read, Sajid Mahmood, Monty Panesar, Plunkett, Anderson, Broad, Ed Joyce, Gough
You need Darren Gough in that team, he's just the best bowler we've ever had. Everthing about him and his bowling is what we call perfect. Am sure that Goughie can still chuck a couple of overs now and again
Complain about this postYou definitely need MONTY! Monty is the future
and in all honesty he's the best spinner we've got
Cricket has always been a spinners game. And always will be, hence you need the spinner who is taking the most wickets
MONTY!
My team is Vaughan, Joyce. Bell, Pieterson, Strauss, Flintoff, Read, Bopara, Panesar, Dalrymple, Plunkett, Mahmood, Anderson, Broad, Lewis with Vaughan as Capt.
Complain about this post1. vaughan
2.Joyce
3.Loye
4.bell
5.Strauss
6.Pieterson
7.Flintoff
8.Nixon (Best i ever seen from England)
9.Dalrymple
10.Mahmood
11.Bopara
12.Plunket
13.Panesar (will be star of the series)
14.Collingwood (Best ODI Player this time)
15.Anderson
Any one of 8 teams can win the Cup with australia is Favourite.
If England can beat Australia in Australia, can beat any team anywhere, as i said before "England will be power of the world cricket for next 10-15 years with help of panesar, Pieterson and collingwood.
I am form India in Australia backing England in West Indies. I am Global. Listen to me Carefully.
Complain about this postCan't understand why you don't stick with the winning combination? After all, they are the ones who won it! (to state the bleedin' obvious!).
And don't underestimate the role Nixon played! He may not be as good as Read with the gloves but he has twice the character! It's those sorts who often give a psychological edge to a team. The Aussies are all compaining that not having Symonds was a major factor, but its his dominationg persona on the field that is just as important as his skills. Not having him prowling round the inner ring like a big cat probably made a difference to how comfortable batsmen feel at the crease. Nixon has that distracting quality, too
Complain about this postI know the panel are not wanting to be predictable but how can read be included when Nixon has played 10 matches in a row surely rightly or wrongly that is the sign he will be picked.
Complain about this postOutside yesterdays 11 add Vaughan, Pieterson,Lewis and anderson and then debate Loye who may be needed if Vaughan can't always play ( Strauss is woefully short of form),
Complain about this postIt is all well and good for chairman of selectors to say how the coach deserves an apology now, all this shows is that England were always a good team but needed to have time to adjust to the conditions and get there tails up. The team were given a disservice by being led undercooked into the ashes, I thin the coach and management should be apologizing to the players
I'm astonished at the BBC's journalists, many picking a team as if it's all been 'normal service' from England. We've watched the most wretched display for weeks and weeks, then suddenly a new team has appeared who believe in themselves, enough to beat the world champions in one day cricket, on their home turf. What happened? Suddenly they played as if they were a real team, supporting each other, displaying real competitive agression. Why change a winning team? Simply add a few names for the squad, Pietersen, Vaughan, Broad, if they're fit. And Nixon, the Badger, simply must be one of them. I'd put team spirit, now that it's appeared, way ahead of notions of "international quality". This team would spill blood to win the World Cup- as it should be. They really have restored a little of the Nation's pride.
Complain about this postFirst team:
Pietersen
Cook
Joyce
Bell
Vaughan (c)c
Flintoff
Collingwood
Nixon (WK)
Anderson
Panesar
Plunkett
Reserves: Mahmood, Read, Stauss, Bopara
Complain about this postMichael Vaughan (Capt)
Ed Joyce
Ian Bell
Paul Collingwood
Kevin Pieterson
Freddie Flintoff
James Foster (WK)
Ravi Bopara
Liam Plunkett
James Anderson
Monty Panesar
Mal Loye
Andrew Strauss
Jamie Dalrymple
Jon Lewis
Essex's Foster is the only real answer to the wicketkeeping dilemma. If Vaughan isn't fit, then Alastair Cook opens instead. Loye is just in the squad in case we're struggling to get going early in the order.
Complain about this postI'm a fond of great ECT from Bangladesh and my Team would come as:
Michael Vaughan (capt), Andrew Flintoff (v-c), Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Sajid Mahmood, Monty Panesar, Ed Joyce, Chris Read (wkt), Ravi Bopara, Jamie Dalrymple, Plunkett, James Anderson.
I hope England will win the next world cup
Complain about this postJoyce
Cook
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood(capt)
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Lewis
Broad
Prior
Loye
Complain about this postno Vaughan....to injury prone
no Strauss......had to many chances
Whoever says that Giles should be in the side are wrong because he offers nothing to the side along with that he has not played competitive cricket in recent months.As far as Staruss captaining the side well! his form is too bad to consider him for that position so it is between Flintoff and Vaughan for that job and I would go with Flintoff because Vaughan cannot warrant a place in the side with his batting.As far as selecting Chapple is concerned well! his time is over I am afraid so I will stick with Dalrymple
Finally why does Oliver Brett chose Shah is it because of (some one) on that 606 board was arguing for his case!
Complain about this postBeing a late comer into the 'tour', Loye showed the guts England needed and wasn't afraid to take on their fast bowlers. 8 x4's and a 6 in his 4 ! He'll need to settle and take advantage of the singles as well, just as he does so well for lancs.
Complain about this postMy first choice team would be:-
Joyce
Loye
Pietersen
Collingwood
Strauss
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Reed
Lewis
Panesar
Anderson
No place for Vaughan as he is clearly not fit enough to play international cricket at the moment. If he is fit, then drop Strauss for Vaughan.
You will note that I have gone for an opening combination of Loye and Joyce. Really think it is importnant to continue with this opening partnership as I believe they will give england the best chance of getting off to a good start.
Complain about this postBell is unlucky to miss out to Pietersen in my team , although I would be happy with Bell being at number 5. However, I dont believe this batting line up will start as Fletcher's team has come together , due to injuries, mainly by accident in the shorter form of the game.You cant be succesful consistently in one day cricket with Vaughan, Bell and Strauss all in the same team. They just dont score quick enough.
Not a problem with flintoff as captain after the wins against the aussies.
Michael Vaughan (capt), Marcus Trescotick, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood, Jamie Dalrymple, Andrew Flintoff, Matthew Prior (wkt), Jon Lewis, James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood, Monty Panesar, Liam Plunkett, Darren Gough
I think england should take this 15 then proporbely they would have a chance. I think its importent to have in exprience in your side. They shold take gough which would be his last chance also to have trescotick gives the middle order time to settle. once tres gets going he is great player to watch. the 11 that i will pict to play in new zeland in the opening match as follows in batting order,
1) Trescotick
Complain about this post2) Vaughan
3) Bell
4) Pieterson
5) Collingwood
6) Flintoff
7) Prior (Wk)
8) Dalrymple
9) Plunkett
10) Grough
11) Anderson
MARTIN GOUGH is right but Ravi Bopara shouldnt be in the squad. i suppose there is no one else who could fill that spot as loye is to old
Complain about this postthank goodness anna thompson and paresh soni are not the england selectors....i particularly liked anna's comment about strauss always playing well in the carribbean, perhaps she could enlighten everyone as to when that was, because it certainly was not as an international player, because he's never been on an england tour there!
both have read as keeper, did they see any cricket in the champions trophy??
Having read the selections by anna and paresh, i am thankful that for all their deficiencies england have graveney and miller.
Complain about this postA few comments.
Its a big risk to put Vaughn in who has done nothing but miss a straight one lately.
Loye does not look good enough, and can't be considered. We would be better off with Ali Brown if you want a hitter.
I did not think Nixon (at his age) should have been picked as debutant for the CB series, but you can't drop him now after that! If Read was to be played in the WC then he should have played in the CB series.
Bopara showed immense promise and should be included.
Dalrymple did not deliver hugely (particularly with the bat), but would you rather have Ashley Giles?
Team should be
Joyce
Brown
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Nixon
Dalrymple
Plunkett
Mahmood
Panesar
With subs Bopara, Strauss, Anderson and Lewis
Complain about this postHow about this?
Vaughan
Flintoff
Joyce
Pieterson
Collingwood
Bell
Nixon
Plunkett
Chapple
Lewis
Panesar
----reserves----
Strauss
Mahmood
Dalrymple
Loye
Having vaughan and flintoff open is - yes another untried opening combo. But we really arent making the most of the powerplays. Fred plays for his bowling and frankly has been overtaken in the middle order by pieterson and colly, so why not let him play freely in the role that loye hasnt quite made his own.
Complain about this postWhy is everyone overlooking Chris Tremlett? Young blood is still a much needed component of our national team if they are to gain World Cup success - a young, consistant bowler who hits the deck hard, isn't that what we've been looking for for some time now? Success can't be generated overnight - isn't it time we all stand tall and kept a little bit more faith in our young bowlers once selected? At any age entrance onto the world stage is governed by confidence, something we feel comfortable shattering rather than nurturing right now - we haven't seen the best of CT...
Complain about this postSanka De Silva
Complain about this postVaughan (capt), Loye, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Strauss, Collingwood, Dalrymple, Flintoff, Read(wkt), Anderson, Lewis, Plunkett, Panesar, Sajid Mahmood
People would probably have a go at me for this, and I'd never consider it for test matches, but...
collingwood (capt), pietersen, bell, loye, joyce, Strauss, flintoff, Shah, Dalyrymple, Read (wkt), Plunkett, Mahmood, Lewis, Anderson, Panesar
Complain about this postVaughan is not in my squad! i would not play him in one day cricket anymore! its not like he has a proven track record in thsi form of the game! get well soon maestro! my squad would be =
Complain about this post1. Joyce ( talent personified )
2. Loya ( blazer who we require setting the tone for the rest of the game if he startes well)
3.Bell ( dependable 30 odd)
4. Pieterson ( best ODI player this country has produced well stolen!)
5. Collingwood ( AWESOME what more to say)
6. Flintoff ( its FREDDIE !!)
7.Dalrymple ( he aint done bad has he)
8. Nixon ( he may not be able to bt too great but he has something about him which intimidates batsmen) DAVIES FOR THE FUTURE OF ENGLISH WICKET KEEPING!!
9. Plunkett ( has the ability at 21 to do something magical)
10. Mahmood or James Anderson ( depends on conditions, both are capable but incosistant)
11.MONTY ( its the lege himself! not much more to say, my 1st choice bowler on the card!)Replacements
12. Jon Lewis ( can be useful)
13. Strauss ( proven player just needs to get away from from some ODI AND GET INTO FORM IN TESTS 1STLY!!)
14.Bopara ( give the lad ago, he cant do much worse than some others!!!)
15. BRoad ( he looks so promising and he can deliver trust me i have seen him play! he scared the shti out of me when he bowled at me!)
Vaughan (capt.)
Rampracash (capt. in Vaughans absence)
Flintoff
Pietersen
Collingwood
Bell
Joyce
Loye
Nixon (wk)
Croft
Panesar
Chapple
Plunkett
Lewis
Anderson
On standby:
Complain about this postShah, Solanki, Mahmood, Broad, Foster
Not one of your so called experts has it right. How could you possibly drop any of the 11 heroes who have outplayed australia in the finals. The selection is so straightforward but your journalists feel as if they have to earn their corn by showing some sort of pseudo knowledge of the game. You simply add the best batsman in the world, Pietersen and then the best captain in the world, Vaughan. (He has a hamstring strain, that's all) You then add our two best one day bowlers, Anderson and Lewis. Keep it simple.
Complain about this postMy team would be - Flintoof, Joyce, Bell, Pieterson, Strauss, Collingwood, Read, Panesar, Mahmood, Plunkett, Broad, Anderson, Dalrymple, Bopara, Owais Shah.
I do not want an unfit and uncertain Vaughan in the team, let alone being the captain. This would hardly give any confidence to the team. I would go with 5 specialist bowlers that would put less pressure on Flintooff as a batsman and a leader. Bell could partner with Joyce at the top of the order and strauss could play the anchor role at no. 3. The rest select themselves in the 11 - Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintooff, Read, Plunkett, Panesar, Mahmood with the 11 place shared between Anderson/Bopara/Dalrymple depending on the conditions. Broad will give the option in the opening bowling slot if either of the others do not perform.
Complain about this post** Pandy down under**, you read my mind, I pretty much totally agree with your team:
01. Joyce
02. Loye ??? Strauss
03. Bell
04. Peitersen
05. Collingwood
06. Flintoff
07. Vaughan (c)
08. Plunkett
09. Nixon (wk)
10. Anderson
11. Panesar
---------------
12. Lewis
13. Strauss
14. Dalrymple
15. Bopara
The only person I am unsure about is Loye as he seem slightly limited, perhaps have Strauss instead (also a better fielder).
I think this team looks quite tasty. People seem to forget KP is quite a good spinner ( he started his career as a bowler!), hence Dalrymple probably not needed. Collingwood can also be really useful bowler ( our best fielder also)
Complain about this postI find it quite incredible that so many people would leave out Paul Nixon, despite the palpable difference he has made to England's attitude and fight. Those in the know will tell you just how brilliant he has been off the field, the example he has set with his work ethic and positivity. And on the field, despite a lack of runs (although few opportunities really came his way to put a big score in and his left-handedness among a swathe of right-handers in the lower order can make death bowling more awkward for the opposition) he has been in the Australian faces like no other Englishman, getting under their skin and giving them some of their own medicine in the chirping stakes. Underestimate the relevance of that to England's turnaround at your peril. The Aussies hated him being around and that is reason enough to get him on your teamsheet for the World Cup.
I'm a big fan of Chris Read and fully endorse his place in the Test side, but Nixon's ability to galvanise a side from behind the stumps in the shorter-form of the game is something that is needed in this World Cup. The bond he has formed with the younger players in such a short space of time is remarkable and he must be in the side to help maintain the spirit and fight we have seen in the last two weeks.
Complain about this postMy 15
Joyce
Cook
Bell
Vaughan [c]
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Strauss
Read
Anderson
Plunkett
Lewis
Panesar
Giles
Broad
My 11 v New Zealand
Joyce
Vaughan [c]
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Read [wk]
Plunkett
Lewis
Panesar
Anderson
Cook for Loye in the squad because Cook is a maker of big scores and I can't understand why he wasn't in the tri series squad.
Read for Nixon because Read is a six hitter and Nixon hasn't done enough to keep his place.
Broad for Mahmood because Mahmood continues to be erratic and world cups seem to be good for young wildcard bowlers - remember anderson last time against pakistan
Giles for Dalrymple because england need 2 spinners and if Panesar gets injured or dips in form i would back giles to provide tight bowling, experience and a few runs.
In the 11, no strauss because if vaughan plays and pietersen is fit there is no place for him in current form.
Complain about this postMy team
Cook
Vaughan(capt)
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Nixon(wk)
Joyce
Dalrymple
Loye
Panasar
Plunkett
Anderson
Bopara,
Mahmood
Strauss has been in awful form and would not take him despite his obvious experience and
Complain about this posttalent.
I think we've got to show some faith in the players that have just given us our best result in a 1-day series for years. Struggling to decide between Joyce and Loye at the top of the order, but Joyce's century gives him the spot.
Starting XI:
Vaughan (C)
Joyce
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Squad Members:
Complain about this postLoye
Strauss
Mahmood
Lewis
Wicket keeper? I agree with several: Read.
Complain about this postBowlers? Must include Broad in preference to Mahmood, who has consistently been too expensive and not taken enough wickets like Plunkett has to compensate. Talk of bringing back Giles is surprising - I thought Dalrymple did enough to be included in the squad although must work on his calling.
All Rounder - yes, must include Bopara as backup in case Collingwood gets injured, or to replace Vaughan if he gets injured and add another bowling option.
Batsmen - Keep Loye. Drop Strauss if you must, as he's in woeful form, and take Vaughan as captain. Loye can hit good balls in odd places and unsettle bowlers from line and length.
My team will be. Vaughan,loye,Bell,strauss,Pietersen,Collingwood,Flintoff,Nixon,Plunkett,anderson,Panesar. Bin Dalrymple let colly bowl a full 10 overs
Complain about this postSome dozy people on this site seem to have forgotten crucial things. Yes, Marcus Trescothick is a marvellous opening batsman (in my opinion easily the equal of Adam Gilchrist) but if he has depression then he can't go, it's that simple. You wouldn't play someone who had a kneecap missing, would you? And how anyone thinks Jon Lewis can be left out is beyond me. He made all other bowlers look ordinary when he played in England last summer, and he has actually toured the West Indies before with Englnd A, something only Freddie of the other bowlers has ever done. Strauss is also one of our best batsmen, with experience in the Windies; he must go, as the vice-captain. Even when Vaughan doesn't play he makes a difference so he must go too.
The squad should be (although on Graveney/Fletcher's recent form certainly won't be):
M Vaughan (cpt)
A Strauss (v-capt)
E Joyce
I Bell
K Pieterson
P Collingwood
A Flintoff
J Dalrymple
Chris Read (wkt)
L Plunkett
M Panesar
J Lewis
J Anderson
S Broad
O Shah
That's a team that might just achieve something.
Complain about this posti dont understand why people are saying nixon didnt do enough, because he averages ten? so what in the only innings he played where he had a chance to bat for a long period of time he made 49 ( a higher score than read has ever achieved)
I would go for
Batsmen- Vaughan ( capt ) Strauss,Bell,pietersen,Joyce
All rounders, Colly,Flintoff, JD
Wicki- nixon
Spinner- panesar
Quicks- Anderson,Plunkett,Broad,Sadj and lewis
which is prettey much what Richie benaud picked and you just cant argue with that.
However i also agree with martin gough and the harmison situation, id pick him but he cant be bothered and i honestly hope he gets dropped from tests aswell unless he does something special for durham this season.
Complain about this postJamie Lillywhite`s squad is spot on! The rest of you are off the mark.
Complain about this postSurely the best team would be:
Vaughan (capt), Flintoff (vice-capt), Loye, Joyce, Strauss, Bell, Collingwood, Pietersen, Read (wk), Plunkett, Broad, Dalrymple, Anderson, Bopara, Panesar
Vaughan has that something about his captaincy, and I would prefer to see Flintoff as vice-captain. Also, Pietersen will always score you runs, so I would include him instead of Strauss, who hasn't got the idea of ODI's. Read is better behind the stumps than Nixon, so his inclusion is key due to his ability with the gloves. Bopara brings something with the bat, as does Broad, so they can both offer you something in both batting and bowling, aswell as in the field in Bopara's case. Anderson would be my back-up bowler, as I can see the youth of Broad, Plunkett and Bopara really holding their own with their fitness. Also, Panesar gives you the option of spin on some wickets, and Dalrymple has shown his ability to add a few more runs at the death in Australia.
My starting line-up wols be:
Loye
Joyce
Vaughan
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Bopara
Read
Dalrymple
Plunkett
Broad
This leaves Strauss, Bell, Panesar and Anderson on he sidlines, covering batting, spinning and pace.
Complain about this postWhat about Hoggard?
Complain about this postIs he injured or just being overlooked?
Our 15 would be
Joyce,Loye,Peterson,Vaughan(Capt),Collingwood,Flintoff,Read (WK),Broad,Panesar,Anderson,Bopara,Bell,Plunkett,Lewis,Yardy
We are replacing Strauss with Yardy due to the fact he is more versatile. And does well under pressure
Complain about this postMy squad would be:
Joyce
Loye
Pietersen
Bell
Strauss
Flintoff
Collingwood
Prior
Bopara
Panesar
Anderson
Plunkett
Dalrymple
Mahmood
Shah
Vaughan is a liability with his batting and in the field and he could probably do just as good a job as assistant coach. Jones, Read and Nixon have all failed on the international stage and Prior is the best domestic batsman and deserved more of a chance. Shah would be a regular in the side if he hadn't been injured in India. Giles would get hit around the park and is overrated as a batsman. Lewis doesn't have the pace or bounce required to succeed in the Carribean and Anderson is a much better swing bowler. Mal Loye will benefit from the shorter boundaries and will terrorise teams that don't have a genuine fast bowler with the new ball (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh). I don't agree with the suggestion that Flintoff should bat in the top 3-4, as it would leave the likes of Bell and Strauss in the overs 20-40 being bogged down by the spinners. Bopara should be given the chance to bat at 4 in the easier matches with a view to replacing Strauss and maybe the 5th bowling position ahead of Dalrymple, which would allow someone like Shah to bat at 7.
Complain about this postAre we picking our personal preferences or the team that we think will be picked?
The 15 that will be selected will be the same as chosen by Nasser Hussain on Sky, the XI who won against Australia plus the 4 sent home to recover for the World Cup.
I personally wouldn't pick Jon Lewis, he is a horses for courses swing bowler who won't do very well in the West Indies. I would prefer Bopara.
The best XI from the squad is much harder to pick. Vaughan and Peterson must play if fit but which 2 batsmen will be left out? Perm any 2 from Joyce, Loye, Bell and Strauss but I believe the experienced players will be given the chance first.
Having discounted Lewis I think the final bowling place will be between Mahmood and Panesar, depending on conditions.
At least we now have a good chance of making the semi-finals and anything can happen from there. Let's hope we haven't peaked too early!
Complain about this postI agree with the sentiments about not having bits and pieces players in the squad. There are too many all-rounders in the England ODI side and not enough people who are top notch at either batting or bowling. We have Freddie and Collingwood already who can do both, surely throwing in the likes of Dalrymple, who rarely scores many runs is a wasted opportunity to play a proper bowler?
Also, Nixon is simply not good enough with the bat to justify a place in an ODI side, and he should be dropped for that stupid plaster he wears instead of a top button on his shirt.
England should bring in Broad and take a look at Cook and Hoggard in ODIs too.
Complain about this postMy 15 would be:
Joyce
Pietersen
Bell
Shah
Loye
Vaughan(c)
Strauss
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Plunkett
Panesar
Anderson
Broad
Mahmood
And my starting 11 would be
1 Joyce
Complain about this post2 Flintoff
3 Bell
4 Pietersen
5 Collingwood
6 Loye
7 Vaughan(c)
8 Prior
9 Plunkett
10 Panesar
11 Anderson
My team would be in order of batting line up
Loye, Joyce, Pieterson, Strauss, Collingwood, Flintoff (capt), Dalrympol, Read, Plunkett, Panesar. Anderson
Backed up by Bell, Vaughan, Mahmood, Bopara
The fitness of Vaughan gives me grave concern, although good captain as he is, he is a total liabilty in the field. You cannot afford to hide players at the highest level. I have watched all the recent ODI games on the box(and was down under for Melbourne & Sydney tests). What was so noticeable was the amount of singles taken directly to fielders. We are not in the same league as Australia in the field.
The one other concern I seriously have is the wicket keeping position. Nixon is not in the same class as Read with gloves or bat. Batting at 8, Read will finish off games just as well as Nixon. Read is more likely to hit the bigger shots and score more heavily at the death. Nixon batted in front of Dalrympol on a number of occasions and really failed, except for one score of 49. Therefore he had plenty of chances to show what he could or could not do. Also as Nixon stated yesterday in press interview, keeping in Australia is easy and therefore questioning his capability of keeping effectively on the Caribbean wickets with problems of indifferent bounce. Read stands up better than Nixon and can cover more ground standing back.
I also think Graveney and Miller will not show their true worth by allowing a biased Fletcher to have his own way. Lets wait and see on the keeper issue.
On one final note, Flintoff showed that he can captain the side well by example with his bowling performances. I can from experience tell you that professionals dont want to think they are carrying anyone, whether in the field or lack of form with the bat.
Complain about this postPhil Allan is 100% right, there is little chance of them picking anything other than 11 that won this series, plus Vaughan, Pietersen, Lewis and Anderson.
Personally I'd be tempted to take Broad ahead of Mahmood as hit-the-deck bowlers generally fare better than slingy bowlers in the Caribbean, but I'm pretty certain the squad will be as above. They've just won our first overseas ODI series since Smoky Hollioake's win in Sharjah about 9 years ago - it would be disgraceful to drop any of that side.
Complain about this postHow about Geraint Jones? He's never let us down.... I'll get my coat.
Complain about this postVaughan/Strauss as skipper/v-c agreed
Complain about this postRead as keeper - totally agreed
Broad/Bopara - yes
but, hang on, Dalrymple isn't a bits-&-pieces player - he has done well batting at 6 and often his bowling spells have been the most economical (when he has been given a chance!) - he, like Read, is just another example of Fletcher not using players to he best of their abilities.
Right lets set a few things straight;
Strauss IS a world class batsman, in any form of the game, and that talent does not disappear in the space of one series. The most probable reason his form has dipped is the captaincy debate, and being overlooked in favour of Freddie. Also its worth keeping in mind how much his batting benefitted from being captain.
Next, Nixon, I keep and I like a little banter but constant banal ignorance expressed orally is just not necesary, and his batting is worse than either Read or Jones, therefore as the best keeper and with that little cameo from the last ODI he played in the Windies in mind Read gets the gig.
Finally Panesar can play one day cricket, his fielding has improved dramatically, he has the ability to restrict the scoring and threaten to take wickets, and he can hold a bat.
thus my 15 would be
Vaughan (Capt) - Couldn't care less if he doesn't actually play, his presence will suffice
Strauss (Vice) - I think, I'm still not convinced by Captain Freddie
Flintoff - let him be the Talisman again, bowl, bat, field is enouh for any man.
Pieterson - complete with gag
Collingwood - someones got to graft while Pieterson preens
Bell - As with Colly he's happy scoring the 'dirty' runs
Dalrymple - he's better than 'bits and pieces' as that catch showed (think Collingwood when he got in the side 'for his fielding') but I'm also not sure he'd make my first XI
Read - Best wicketkeeper in England, end of debate, unless Alec Stewart comes out of retirement, or young Davies gains a few years in two weeks
Plunkett - I'm picking him for his bowling, shocking I know, picking a bowler for his bowling next I'll be calling for Trescothick's return! That said He'll make a good no 8 one day No 9 will do for now
Anderson - was starting to look like the Jimmy of old
Panesar - He's a spinner who turns the ball, not the conventional criteria on which England spinners are selected but its as good a reason as any
To the above XI i would add Joyce, Mahmood (expensive yes but he is quick and takes wickets), and ..... hmmm, two more, and no keeping cover, oh what I would give for a fully fit Trescothick. Shah and Broad it will have to be.
Complain about this postSome good ideas, but people seem to forget how expensive our bowlers can be, and the better ones just don't cut the mustard at being able to bat at the end of the innings.
Glenn Chapple has been in outstanding one day form for about three years. He was called up to the squad early last year and only bowled about three very good overs before getting injured, and he has suddenly been all but forgotten.
He has experience of opening in one day matches, and is often good for thirty-forty runs.
Lets give him his chance
Complain about this postLOYE - in my oppinion should drop in the order he is explosive and scores fast so save himn from the swinging ball and let him smash around the part timers! why does he always have to open?
Complain about this postMx 15 would be
Batsman:
Vaughan*
Pieterson*
Strauss*
Solanki*
Collingwood*
Shah
Loye
All Rounder:
Flintoff*
Keeper:
Nixon*
Bowlers:
Panesar*
Broad*
Hoggard*
Mahmood
Plunkett*
Anderson
The *players would be the starting line up
Complain about this postVaughan (capt)
Complain about this postJoyce
Pietersen
Bell
Loye
Flintoff
Strauss
Collingwood
Nixon (wk)
Broad
Plunkett
Panasar
Bopara
Tremlett
Gough
I'm surprised at the lack of support for Nixon. I'm assuming it's solely based on his batting but there were three performances that are worth noting. His support for Freddie for a partnership 60 in 11 overs when beating New Zealand after slumping to 135 for 5, his 49 caught last ball to save the NZ bonus and his 11 not out in the first final after a Dalrymple 3. He didn't buckle under intense pressure. Given that he was generally walking to the crease when everything was more or less over I fail to appreciate the majority opinion in favour of dropping him. I thought he played a valuable role in keeping the team buoyed and alert whilst at the same time winding up the Aussies and Kiwis. A real competitor.
Complain about this postWhy not take Luke Sutton as w/keeper batsman
Complain about this postEngland finally find a one-day team with some form and all the armchair selectors want to change it!
Other than bringing in the injured Pietersen why change a winning team?
Complain about this postEngland finally find a one-day team with some form and all the armchair selectors want to change it!
Other than bringing in the injured Pietersen why change a winning team?
Complain about this postVaughan (capt), Strauss (vice-capt), Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple, Nixon (wkt), Plunkett, Panesar, Anderson, Mahmood, Lewis, Broad
Complain about this postHere it is; Dalrymple hasn't really proven his worth in my mind, and Bopara deserves the nod. I don't know why Cook has been so overlooked and we have sufficient depth in our bowling to leave Lewis in the training academy, where he belongs. Strauss and Mahmood are out of touch, but are potentially very impacting players. Loye gives us a very useful option indeed. Read is the better wicket keeper, and with Vaughan holding the side together as captain, Nixon's mouth will be less necessary.
Starting XI:
Vaughan (C)
Joyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Bopara
Read
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Squad Members:
Complain about this postLoye
Strauss
Mahmood
Cook
My 15-amn squad would have to be
Loye
Vaughan (c)
Bell
Pietersen
Strauss
Collingwood
Flintoff (v/c)
Dalrymple
Nixon (w/k)
Panesar
Gough
Lewis
Plunkett
Anderson
Joyce
Even though Freddie has been a fantastic captain throughout the CB series Vaughan has more experience which may be vital if we end up in the final stages of the competition. Gough has the experience to open the bowling (Plunkett cant handle it as his wides have proved) and bowling at the death. Mahmood is too expensive and unlike Plunkett does not bowl a lot of 'wicket-taking' balls
Complain about this postWhat is with you people, we were losing all the time & there needed to be changes, we have just beaten the best side in the world to win their inaugural CBs trophy, yet that side is not good enough??!! Understandably there are players that HAVE to come back into the side, but to include players who didnt even get a look in down under is farcical & if Fletcher did include them, you would all be calling for his head, again!
Consistency of selection & players hitting form at the right time meant the boys can come home with their heads held high. Interesting how Pietersen got injured & England rediscovered how to perform as a team.
Complain about this postSo many of the above have missed out Mal Loye. To me he has to be in because as of his batting yesterday, showed what he will do on batting friendly pitches in the WI! Get Dalrymple out! Good catch to be fair but he bowls 3 or 4 overs of non-turning spin and bats below Freddie so don't offer much. Replace Read with Foster as he is very balanced keeper with great batting (evident in the summer of the county championship) Ali Brown should have been with a shout as he offers same ability and ODI mind-set as Mal Loye
Complain about this postMy XV:
Vaughan (c), Foster (wk), Joyce, Loye, Bell, Pietersen, Shah, Strauss, Collingwood, Fred, Broad, Plunkett, Mahmood, Monty, Anderson
my team (probably...)
Vaughan
Joyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Strauss (maybe Bopara or dalrymple)
Prior (fine, nixon then)
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Other 4:
Loye
Two from Bopara, Strauss, Dalrymple
mahmood
or maybe i'd take lewis instead of dalrymple.
Loye has been threatening, and would probably be better on small carribean grounds, but there are too many dot balls, meaning even with boundaries his strike rate isn't much better than vaughan/joyce, but they have potential and ability to make a century.
I'd probably play strauss at 7, so freddie can tee-off with the knowledge there's still a very good batsman to come. at the moment he seems to little nervous to do so with only dalrymple, nixon and the bowlers to follow.
Prior would offer so much more as a batsman!! if nixon has such a good influence, then bring him along too, but we cannot have a keeper averaging 12!! 48 of which were in a dead situation.
Plunkett should play over lewis, he has the ability to get any batsman in the world out the a jaffa. it doesn't matter how expensive he is if his bowling means that the likes of collingwood/dalrmyple won't have to bowl at ponting, tendulkar, lara etc. wickets are the key, and plunkett is the man!!
Complain about this postI always believed that England is good team, only issue with them is that they does not improve consistantly. One issue with current squad is that None of the WK have done anything, so I would pick Loye to keep wickets,
Complain about this postMy team would be
Joyce, Struss, Bell, Pietersen,Collingwood, flintoff, Dalrymple, Loye (he can keep wickets doesn't he), plunkett, Anderson, Monty, Jon Lewis, Shah, Yardy, Read
Can I have a game? Please? I bowl a tidy bit of off-spin and can field ok. Batting's pants but hey! - you're the ones considering Giles so obviously anyone's in with a shout. Giles. Dear Lord above. Nothing personal, mate, but you're not fit enough or good enough. Look at it from this angle - would the Aussies take him if he was theirs? Precisely. There's no room for sentiment in international sport. Wait and see if Pigeon goes...
Complain about this postMy 15:
Vaughn
Loye
Joyce
Bell
Strauss
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Bopara
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Panesar
Lewis
Anderson
Perfect selection that I reckon. Give me a job as a selector!
Complain about this postIt was pleasing to see the belated success of England against Australia and New Zealand. With the bat, Joyce, Bell and in particular Collingwood deserve praise and with the ball Flintoff, Panesar and intermittently Plunkett and Mahmood did well. Adding Pieterson to the team will give England some chance of World Cup success.
Complain about this postThere's been interesting speculation on the reasons for these late victories. To me it seems quite simple: when Joyce scored his ton then the bowlers had a score to protect and Flintoff and Panesar were able to put pressure on. Add in magic deliveries by Plunkett to offset the wides, plus further centuries by Collingwood and we started winning games.
What I am confused about is the role attributed to the "energy" brought to the team by Nixon. Where was it in the earlier games when England were abject? True there was a lot of shouting and posturing but it achieved nothing. Similarly, some seem to think his 49 was an innings of substance, denying NZ a bonus point. In reality it was one of incredible luck. It was noticeable that he was moved down to no. 8; so much for his energetic batting. Similarly his keeping, although largely OK, was not as beautiful as he himself modestly claimed.
The truth is that England became energised when they started winning. They started winning because of real achievements by those mentioned above.
On another point, some write to say that it would be daft to change a winning side. It is not something that the selectors have always agreed with. They dropped Read in the West Indies after winning 3-0 and likewise in Australia Read, Panesar and Mahmood were dropped following victories over Pakistan. The selectors' mistake of course was that they changed, but did not improve a winning team.
As the best wicketkeeper, and with a useful batting record in LOI, Read should be brought into the side. Despite his expertise in captaincy, Vaughan should be told to go away and improve his fitness record in the County Championship. It was presumptious of him to state that the medics assured him that he would be on the plane for the World Cup. That's up to the selectors. Let Flintoff continue to improve his captaincy skills, at least in the one-day format.
I would go With Anna. Its about as good as you are going to get. I totaly agree with Her choice of Chris Read, The lad is world class behind the stumps, Nixon has done fairly well, but he scored just over 100 in the ODI in 10 innings. Chris will be worth runs just with the gloves on.The world cup is going to be tough. but in any cup competition if you get the breaks anything can happen, but i as a proud Englishman think we will need some luck, because there is some quality teams to beat,As of the captain Anna picked Strauss, i would go for Freddie ego permitting,because his did a good job in the ODI in Australia.Having said about Chris Read, Fletcher will pick Nixon, which i find a disgrace,
Complain about this postI would say trescothick(loye) strauss joyce bell pietersen vaughan (capt) collingwood jones(wkt) dalrymple yardy gough plunkett panesar mahmood anderson
Complain about this postlots of variety there and gough is a handy tailend batsmen unlike lewis
Vaughan is without a doubt the best captain, but his fitness and his batting remain problematic.
Complain about this postAfter Vaughan, i think Strauss should be captain, but his one day form is poor, so that leaves Flintoff, who, when he has the captaincy, does not perform to the best of his ability with both bat and ball.
For the world cup, we need Vaughan's captaincy and Flintoff to be bowling and batting well; then we will have a great chance to follow an emphatic end to the tour of Australia.
I agree with the choice of Paul Grunill in terms of the squad. My choice starting 11 for the weaker games would be
1. Joyce
Complain about this post2. Flintoff
3. Bell
4. Pietersen
5. Collingwood
6. Strauss
7. Bopara
8. Nixon
9. Lewis
10. Anderson
11. Panesar
Vaughan (capt)
Joyce
Flintoff
KP
Bell
Collingwood
Dalrymple
Read
Plunkett
Panesar
Anderson
Nixon, Strauss, Bopara, Lewis.
Is it wise to take only one wicketkeeper?
Complain about this postDo we need more than one reserve for each of the other areas of the team?
Vaughan is worth 30 runs a game for his astute captaincy.
Flintoff at 3, as he's better against the quicks and could make life more difficult in terms of the opposition calling powerplays early in the innings.
.. ANYONE but Read, how unfortunately true. .. as long as flintoff isnt captaining england have a good chance and bowling is finding form too
Complain about this postIsn't this squad quite simple to decide upon.
Complain about this postYou keep faith with the 11 players who just won their finals, and the other 4 spaces could be filled by the normal 1st teamers who are returning from injury (vaughan, pietersen, anderson, lewis).
my team
Loye
Vaughan (c)
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Strauss
Chapple
Nixon(wk)
Plunkett
Mahmood
Anderson
Flitoff 5 as maybe tired after bowling in the hot conditions. No spinners as the pitches suit fast bowling and Panesar and Giles can be expensive. Strauss down the order to stabilise the innings if their is a collapse at the top. A mixture of big hitters and people who can stabilise the innings.
Complain about this postmy squad:Vaughan (capt)
Complain about this postStrauss
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Joyce
Loye
Mahmood
Broad
Shah
I have watched England in all matches in Australia this season and I would say that after Flintoff,Joyce and Plunkett, the next names to pencil in as absolute certainties would be Dalrymple and Panesar. I could not find a place for Strauss however. Nixon would have to be the 'keeper because he is upbeat and seemed to get right under the skin of the Australian players as well as being in reasonably good form with both gloves and bat. I don't think Loye is up to scratch though. Bell and Collingwood pick themselves so Anderson and Lewis would be the other bowlers. Take Mahmood but only play him in the 'lesser' games. Vaughan seems to be most people's choice as skipper but his fitness is a big worry. Who would open with Joyce in place of Vaughan, perhaps Owais Shah?
Complain about this postThe squad for the world cup should be the 11 who played the CB finals plus Pietersen, Vaughan, Anderson and Lewis.
Giles, Broad, Bopara and Shah should be available in case of injury.
I cannot understand the idiots (including four of your journalists) who seem to think that it would be appropriate to break up the side that has just achieved one of England's more incredible victories just before a world cup.
Some people just don't understand Fletcher's selections. He goes for team players with nerve. Strauss, Nixon, Dalrymple, Plunkett and Mahmood have it - Read patently doesn't. No one who saw him in the champions trophy could argue that he should be included. He had several chance. He failed. Even his much-vaunted wicketkeeping let him down when he missed the easiest possible stumping to dismiss Bravo off Dalrymple.
Like Ramprakash and Hick before him, Read is destined to go down as a very talented cricketer who failed to achieve his potential at the top level.
Complain about this postI just hope that the 'powers that be' learn from previous mistakes and pick a team that reflects form.
Complain about this posthow can u forget marcus tresthick..
Complain about this posthas evryone forgot about trescothik? we should try everything to get him to go, also broad should go, and prior or foster should keep
Complain about this postVaughan,(Capt)
Complain about this postLoye,
Strauss,
Flintoff,
Bell,
Collingwood,
Joyce,
Pietersen,
Darlyrymple,
Read(Wkt),
Plunkett,
Gough,
Lewis,
Panesar,
Anderson
This would be a good England Squad to take to the World Cup.
Complain about this postVaughan,(Capt)
Loye,
Strauss,
Flintoff,
Bell,
Collingwood,
Joyce,
Pietersen,
Darlyrymple,
Read(Wkt),
Plunkett,
Gough,
Lewis,
Panesar,
Anderson
Vaughan (capt)
Flintoff (vice capt)
Strauss
Collingwood
Bell
Pieterson
Dalrymyple
Prior (wkt)
Broad
Panesar
Anderson
Gough
Plunket
Joyce
Loye
Why has prior not been given the opportunity he regularly acheived centries and half centries for sussex and if the selectors are lookin for a batting wicket keeper he is the man. Gough also still has it in him he was quality last season for essex.
Complain about this postI'm with Paul Grunill, maybe Read instead of Nix, but that team looks good.
Complain about this postVaughan (cpt)
Strauss
Bell
Collingwood
Flintoff
Peitersen
Jones/Nixon (wkt)
Dalrymple
Anderson
Lewis
Panesar
Well i wouldnt really know who to pick for the wicketkeeper position, jones is the best keeper but nixon is alot better with the bat. Vaughan is the best captain fot the team.
Complain about this postThe selectors will go with the tried and trusted formula of:-
Vaughan (Capt),
Flintoff (V.Capt)
Joyce
Loye
Bell
Strauss
Pieterson
Collingwood
Dalrymple
Nixon
Plunkett
Lewis
Anderson
Mahmood
Panesar
Why would they go with anything else? This fifteen have done the business in Australia over the last four games and have plenty of confidence. The opening pair are a debate but the middle order looks strong with the addition of KP and the bowlers are now putting the ball in the right areas.
Complain about this postThe starting line up picks itself with Freddie, KP, Colly, Belly, Nixon, Monty, and Dalrymple being certainties. The other four spots are up for grabs depending on fitness and form. Vaughan, Strauss, Loye and Joyce compete for two batting slots and Mahmood, Anderson, Lewis and Plunkett for two bowling positions.
A bit of this depends on fitness, not least for the captain: Vaughan(c) (or Shah if Vaughan unfit), Strauss(vice cap), Joyce, Pieterson, Bell, Collingwood, Flintoff, Read (wk), Dalrymple, Anderson, Plunkett, Broad, Panesar, Lewis, Chapple (a proven performer as opposed to Bopara who has lots of promise) with Mahmood as a reserve bowler.
Complain about this postMy starting XI would be:
Complain about this postLoye
Strauss
Joyce(can swap with Loye)
Vaughan
Flintoff
Bell
Collingwood
Mahmood
Chapple (for experience)
Nixon(for his sledging)
Anderson
Plunkett
Joyce to swap for Pieterson in big matches when Pieterson is 100%.
For me Vaughan would have to go to the World Cup... he's the best captain around...
Complain about this postFlintoff and Strauss couldn't cut it, so it has to be Vaughan to lead the side.
The Jones v. Read debate cannot go on, so pick Nixon.
Complain about this postWho was the best batsman last year in county cricket??? Mark Rampakash. Why is he not going? He had an average over 100 last year, he's a fantastic fielder, can bowl a bit too! Im sure there is somthing he can teach the new so called 'inexperienced' players. What more does a man have to do?
Come on selectors pick the best players. Thats all us fans ask!
Complain about this postMy fifteen:
Vaughan
Joyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Nixon
Gough
Broad
Panesar
Plunkett
Loye
Anderson
Lewis
Collingwood's recent form made the last decision easy, no Strauss. I don't understand the BBC "Experts" even wanting to consider Read instead of Nixon. Nixon's energy and his"Gilchrist" ability to get under the opposition's skin is worth much more than any runs Read might make...plus I think he is better man to have at the crease to finish out a game.
Must pick Gough...totally fired up for his international swansong.
Complain about this postMy team would be:-
Vaughan (c)
Complain about this postJoyce
Loye
Bell
Pietersen
Strauss
Collingwood
Freddie (vc)
Dalrymple
Read (wk)
Plunkett
Mahmood
Lewis
Anderson
Panesar
Why change a winning side that is starting to gain momentum? We just beat Australia 3 times in a row on their home turf. Each and everyone of these players will be high in confidence and I think many other cricketing nations would be quite nervous facing England in the WC after having seen them destroy the Aussies in the final.
Joyce, Vaughan(c), Loye, Bell,Strauss, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff(c or v/c), Nixon, Dalrypmle, Plunkett, Mahmood, Anderson, Hoggard, Panesar.
I would take Hoggard, as he had a fantastic Ashes on a personal note. Is a swing bowler, much more experienced than when he first started playing ODI's and has experience playing in the Caribbean!
Complain about this postStrikes me it can not be without reason that the succesful team that left Aus bears little resemblence to the squad that went to Aus in the first place. So with some reservations the core of the team must remain the same as beat Australia.
E C Joyce,
M B Loye,
These two compliment each other like Jekyll and Hyde. If one fails the other at least looks as if they ought to get a good start.
I R Bell, Think I would prefer Cook, he can get things moving if necessary and is much less prone to getting people run out.
A J Strauss, Arguably one of England's most consistent batsmen, but would happily trade him for Vaughan
P D Collingwood, Really can't do with out the 'Steady Eddie' of English cricket. He will be a good Captain one day
A Flintoff, He has bowled his heart out all winter, but should not be Captain, he can not read the game well enough.
J W M Dalrymple, Closes down the bowling magnificently and one day games are as much about preventing the opposition scoring as getting them out.
P A Nixon, Let us face it Read and Jones both failed during the Winter and somebody in the England side should be visible
L E Plunkett,
S I Mahmood,
Neither are impressive bowlers in terms of accuracy or containment and they will not be any better in the Carib. But they do get wickets. I would prefer not to play both, so Anderson, who also gets results in One Day games, would be my choice to substitute one or other of them.
M S Panesar,Is proving rather expensive in Australia, but it should be interesting on the less than billiard flat Caribean pitches.
The Spares
Cook and Anderson are guaranteed places on the bus.
Vaughan, if he is genuinely fit, I've had enough of 'Well he might be fit in time' to last a long time.
The same goes for Hoggard as a replacement for Mahmood/Plunkett. Otherwise it has to be Broad
No place for Petersen. He is disruptive and I would rather have two reliable batsmen scoring tons in 30 overs than a flashy 30 in five
Complain about this postMy England XV:
Vaughan (Capt.), Strauss (V.Capt), Ed Joyce, M. Loye, I. Bell, K. Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, P. Nixon, J Darymple, L. Plunkett, J. Lewis, Hoggard, S. Mahmood & Broad.
Michael Vaughan may not be the best one day batsman, but his captaincy inspires the POMs.
I would select Hoggard as he's the best English bowler & the pitches would suit him too. Remember, none of the English tailenders contribute with the bat, hence having Hoggie would prove useful.
Why do we need two full time spinners in the Carribean. Jamie Darymple scores useful runs too & can be assisted by Pietersen & Bell whenever needed.
If Loye, Pietersen & Flintoff all click with the bat, any opposition would dread the Pommies.
Complain about this postGive Paul Nixon the gloves, he certainly got on the Australian nerves and I am sure he could accomodate the rest of the world.
Go Nixon.
1. Joyce
Complain about this post2. Cook
3. Bell
4. Strauss
5. Pietersen
6. Flintoff (capt)
7. Collingwood
8. Nixon (wkt)
9. Plunkett
10. Panesar
11. Mahmood
My World Cup Squad
Joyce
Complain about this postvaughan
collingwood
bell
pieterson
flintoff
nixon
panesar
anderson
plunkett
mahmood
My team wold be
Vaughan
Complain about this postJoice
Loye
Bell
Strauss
Collingwood
Flintoff
Read
Bopara
Anderson
Plunkett
Panesar
Gough
Lewis
Cook
No place for new -comers,keeping in mind the pressure of World -Cup .The Indians have made mistake by selecting Uthappa.
My team would be
Vaughan (capt)
Joyce
Loye
Bell
Collingwood
Strauss
Pietersen
Flintoff
Dalrymple
Panesar
Plunkett
Lewis
Broad
Anderson
Nixon (wkt)
Even tho Vaughan doesnt have best ODI record himself, we gotta take him as he can handle the captaincy better than anyone else (probably in the world)
Gonna contradict myself - why should we change that much of a winning team....therefore keep Nixon in, Read will get his chance once Duncs goes.
Having said that - think Broad in for Mahmood - Broad has no fear...
As a quick aside, why hasnt anyone noticed that we only started winning when KP went home....maybe there is an issue to be addressed there!!!
Think we'll get to semis at best
Complain about this postMy Squad would be :
Vaughan (cpt), Joyce, Prior, Collingwood, Bell, Pietersen, Flintoff, Loye, Plunkett, Panesar, Dalrymple, Anderson, Lewis, Mahmood & Broad.
With a preferred starting line up of:
Joyce, Prior, Vaughan, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple\Panesar, Plunkett, Lewis, Anderson.
This gives us a long flexible batting line up with a mixture of power players & touch players. Prior to float in the batting order depending on oppositon\Pitch\Circumstances of the match. The tail is not to long with everyone capable of chipping in with runs down to Anderson. A balanced bowling attack which could even be strenghtened with the inclusion of Monty over Dalrymple.
For me Strauss has looked desperately out of form in Australia & never looked like he was going to score any runs. I know the same could be said of Collingwood midway through the one day series in Australia, but for me, Strauss is an opener not a number 4. So I can't see a place in the team for him unless Vaughan is unfit in which case he would sneak onto the plane.
Complain about this postIf England want to win the competition, the best 15 players that can compete in tough circumstances MUST be picked.
Vaughan will be fit, as will the rest of the lads so here goes...
Best Team in batting order is... Vaughan,Bell, Pieterson, Collingwood, Flintoff, Strauss, Dalrymple, Nixon, Plunkett, Anderson, Panesar
Reserves - Mahmood, Joyce, Broad, Giles
Some thoughts... Strauss, can be useful down the order. Vaughan is the best captain. Pieterson must bat as much of the innings as possible. Plunkett and Anderson performed well in Aussie. Giles is good cover if there's an injury.
Complain about this postNixon, is a great "Pain in the butt" to the opposition, he gives a tougher, more competitive resolve... give him the opportunity. Joyce provides batting and keeping cover.
My team:
Vaughan (capt), Ian Bell, Andrew Flintoff, Ed Joyce, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pieterson, Chris Read (wkt), Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara, James Anderson, Liam Plunkett, Stuart Broad, Monty Panesar, Jamie Dalrymple, Sadjid Mahmood.
Complain about this postVaughan has to go but should bat at three. Strauss is important to the team and should bat at five or six. Flintoff should open with Ed Joyce in an attempt to get more out of the powerplays and out of Freddie with the bat. Broad is a quality player and will only get better with inclusion. Giles just hasn't had enough cricket to justify a place. Read has to be behind the stumps its more important to have a good wicketkeeper and let our other batsman make the runs, besides as mentioned he had a good tour of the West Indies before being dropped for jones in the first place.
My initial thoughts are that we should build on the success that has seen us win our last 4 ODI, 3 against the fantastic Aussies. With this i would stick with Nixon at WK and Flintoff as captain. I know this is controversial, but the team with these two at the helm is just getting better and better. Not sure of who to open, so i'd take Strauss, Joyce and Loye. I'd also take Vaughan and if Freddie's not dominating, we could alway switch captain. That leaves KP and Collingwood and Bell for the batting. Joining them would be Monty, Giles, Anderson, Plunkett, Mahmood and Dalrymple.
Complain about this postsame team as above apart from Broad. I would probably go for Lewis
Complain about this postvaughan(c)
loye
bell
collingwood
pietersen
joyce
flintoff
nixon
gough
plunkett
panesar
--------------
lewis
anderson
bopara
strauss
i think you have to include gough because of his fire and desire to win plus he and nixon can wind up anyone.
Complain about this postHi,
My team:
Freddie Flintoff (c); Ian Bell; Ed Joyce; Kevin Pietersen; Paul Collingwood; Alec Stewart (w); Jamie Dalrymple, James Anderson; Monty Panesar, Liam Plunkett; Darren Gough
I would always pick Vaughn for tests - he is the World's best captain - but his ODI record is too poor, despite a reasonable knock recently.
I would give Andrew Strauss a plane ticket to the competition but would only play him in the team if he could recover some form - this constant battering will do him harm, as well as the team.
Freddie is vastly under-rated as captain. OK, he's not as good as Vaughn but how many captains are? I can't think of any. Freddie has a team of winners behind him now and he is always a positive leader.
Am I crazy with Alec Stewart? Have you seen his present fitness and ability? He's not been retired long and, since him, we can't seem to find a player who can keep wicket, let alone keep wicket and bat, let alone keep wicket, bat and become vice captain when needed.
Darren Gough is not there to prove I'm going backwards: he is there because of his enormous ability to make things happen and rip-through top orders, middle orders, anyone.
I would not name Harmison - if someone does not want to play, why field them? We need good, motivated players. We don't want someone who is begrudgingly there. In fact, I probably would drop him from the test side because of that - a great pity but supreme talent alone is not enough.
One wild card: I would include Hoggard in the squad. I appreciate he is not always the fastest to knock-down wickets but he is a fab bowler. He'd be my next choice if any of the bowlers was injured / rested (and, unlike Harmison, he would be hungry for the challenge).
If Tres is genuinely available, he'd be on the plane with Strauss - if in form I'd play him always. Finally, the same would go for Ashley Giles - on that plane to be played if needed or if in full form.
G Jones, C Read, P. Nixo, sorry I don't believe any of you are a patch on AJ Stewart even today but as reserve keeper I'd opt for the fiesty Nixon. (Especially as he gives the Aussies what they give everyone else).
Complain about this postSuch is Michael Vaughan importance??? Sorry. Someone that either doesn't perform or when he does it's a century after 150 balls (remember why New Zealand didn't make the tri nation final??) is not important to anyone other than himself. Leaving your middle order 7 or 8 runs per over to chase is not what a good captain is about, especially when all he is doing is chasing personal glory.
Complain about this postMy team would be:
Joyce
Loye
Vaughan (C) - If Fit Enough
Bell
Collingwood
Pieterson
Flintoff
Nixon (Wkt)
Plunkett
Anderson
Panesar
Strauss (C) - If Vaughan Unfit
Broad
Dalrymple
Bopara
Shah
Joyce has proved himself to be a solid opener that can stick around and make good scores, scores fairly quickly as well.
Complain about this postLoye i believe would be a good opener with joyce, he scores very quickly - we have to remember he was going against australia here - he would destroy the lesser teams.
Vaughan i would only take if hes fully fit and he would come in 3rd, if theres any doubt dont take him.
Bell is an excellent versitile batsman is good form and would come in at 4.
Colingwood is great middle order and comes in at 5, he could also bowl a full 10 overs and is excellent in the field.
Pieterson is our best batsman however i believe he would be best coming in at 6 when either the spinners are bowling or its in 2nd hald on innings to build up a sizeable score - can also bowl.
Flintoff is same as pieterson, comes in to rack up the runrate in 2nd half of innings, he is england best contain bowler and comes in at 7.
Nixon or Read was my biggest decision, i choose nixon as he did nothing wrong for my behind the stumps, he attitude is good and he upsets the opponent and his batting was good for a number 8.
Plunkett comes in at 9 due to his great swing bowling and while he may cost a dew runs he will pick up wickets, also a dont know if you noticed but hes pretty darn good with the bat for a number 9 medium-fast bowler, he averaged 58 in the series lol with first class average 19.3
Anderson comes in at 10 as he compliments Plunkett well, he is a very tight and economical bowler and i believe a great opening ODI bowler.
Panesar comes in at 11 basically because hes our best spinner of the ball and a great entertainer.
Strauss will only be taken if Vaughan is unfit in which case he slips in at 4 and bell goes to 3.
Broad is my reserve seamer as i believe he needs to be given a chance, hes fast and has a good attitude and is one for the future.
Dalrymple is an excellent reserve, hes good with the bat (had a few dodgy outs which lowered his average) and scores quickly for a lower order, he can also bowl a few of the middle overs and is a god fielder.
Bopara is an excellent all-rounder being both good with the bat though he never had a chance to show it and can bowl a few over as well (i would rather take another specialist spinner but i hate giles sho who else? Alex Loudon? Ian Blackwell? not for england)
Final position goes to Shah, while not proven for england he in an excellent OD player.
I hate to have strauss in there is captain but flintoff plays better when not captain and who else is there collingwood maybe?
englands strongest one day side is simple
joyce
vaughan (c)
bell
peiterson
collingwood
flintoff
read (wk)
dalrymple
plunkett
anderson
panesar
- bell at 3 doesnt score big, but he scores consistently, and a consistent 30-40 from him at 3 can steady the innings with the likes of pieterson woring around him
- Flintoff should bat at 6 and no higher, he has proved he shouldnt bat higher, now im not discreditining his batting, but i think with his work load he should be at 6, with a possiblity of moving him up if we need sum runs in the later overs
- depending on the wicket either dalrymple or monty could make way for jon lewis or mahmood
- great that we can have this debate though! a month ago we couldn't find any players! its great people are stepping up to the plate now!
- england for wolrd cup glory!
Complain about this postIn general I agree with all selections I feel there would be two differences to all team selections.What about M Yardy he has done very well on the bowling front and done very well at home if he is good enought to lead the A Team I am sure he deserves his place in the World cup.The only other contentious issue is the "Wicket Keeper" Read and Jones have both had many chances to prove there self's stick with Nixon and lets move on.
I would leave any lame duck that has been injured or carrying an injury at home if we want any chance of winning the World Cup!.
Complain about this posthellllllllllllllllllllo
Complain about this postwell heres my team
R.TOONE SNR
R.TOONE JNR
E.TOONE
M. MAULE
M. BROOME
P.HILLS
P.HOWE
S.PIPER
E.JAMES
J.KORIYA
I.T.BOTHAM
AND MY BACK UP PLAYERS WOULD BE
MRS S.TOONE
MISS E.TOONE
S.MYCAWKA
M.HOLDING
WELL WE WOULDNT WIN MANY GAMES, BUT AS ENGLAND DONT HAVE TO MUCH OF A CHANCE TO WIN I FIGURE WE COULD PLAY A FEW GAMES THEN STOP THERE FOR A WEEK OR THREE FOR A BIT OF A BREAK
There's quite a few average, middle of the road players in the mould that wouldn't really light up a game like freddie or KP.. Why not throw a youngster like James Benning of Surrey into the mix... a superb fielder (which will be vital on the quick Caribbean pitches) and a hugely destructive batsmen at the top of the order.. With JB at the top and Freddie, KP and Colly in the middle order and Vaughan holding up one end, we would have the recipe for some monstrous totals...
Why not try something different Mr Fletcher...
Complain about this postWhy pick Read, his scores in the champions trophy show he's not good enough nd i can't believe people are thinking of dropping bell from the team during the champions trophy he scored all our runs and was again conistant down under. Strauss should go as his form is terrible and how can you consider him as captain with his current form. Bring Hoggard back as he is our best swing bowler alongside anderson and plunkett with Panesar as a spin option if the pitch spins if not use darylimple as the spinner. loye should cover for vaughan if he's not fit as vaughan needs to be in the team as his captanicy is a great asset, if unfit pick flintoff as captain or Nixon.
Main xi:
Vaughan
Joyce
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Nixon
Darylimple
Plunkett
Anderson
Hoggard
cover:
Complain about this postPanesar
Mal Loye
Mahmood
Strauss
1. Vaughan (Capt)
2. Joyce
3. Pietersen.
4. Bell
5. Collingwood
6. Flintoff
7. Dalrymple
8. Read (w/k)
9. Plunkett
10.Panasar
11.Anderson (if fit)
rest of squad: Loye, Bopora, Mahmood & Lewis.
If Anderson is not fit I think either Chapple or Gough should make up the squad. My preference of Loye to Strauss as reserve batsmen is because he is, I understand, able to keep wicket reasonably well in an emergency. Read, although by far the best keeper, will not be selected as Fletcher prefers just about anyone to him. Nixon is not a bad keeper but nowhere near the standard of Read and no better than several others. His batting is frenetic and mainly ineffective. However, he is obviously going to be Fletcher's choice and will be one of the first players to be picked because he is a mouthy so and so and, supposedly riles the opposition.
Complain about this posti think these players will play there cricket in the world nd these should be chosen
1.Vaughan (cpt) (if fit but if nt joyce would play)
2.strauss ( if vaughan nt there strauss cpt )
3.Bell
4.pietersen (if fit)
5.Collingwood
6.Flintoff
7.Dalrymple
8.Nixon ( plyed well with him)
9.Plunkett
10.Mahmood (will rise to the occasion and excellent to the slower ball)
11.Panesar
Strauss should be captain if vaughan aint there because he made reasonable runs when given the captaincy in the carribean last summer.
Nixon played in the series that England won over in the Austaralia and i would prefer him to Chris Read.
also in the squad
Broad
Complain about this postAnderson ( could play if fit )
Shah ( experienced one day player)
C Read (as he is good with the bat )
First XI:
Vaughan (C), Joyce, Pietersen, Bell, Collingwood, Flintoff (V), Dalrymple, Nixon, Plunkett, Panesar, Anderson,
Reserves:
Shah, Read, Chapple.
Pietersen must bat at number 3!! In every team their start batsmen bats at that position. Ensures they have the chance to bat for long-periods of the game.
Complain about this postWhos Loye you have all gone for him to tour the Caeeibean why did he not come to Australia. As for Broad good choice he fielded well in Australia & was probably well coached their too
Complain about this postWhos Loye you have all gone for him to tour the Caeeibean why did he not come to Australia. As for Broad good choice he fielded well in Australia & was probably well coached their too
Complain about this post1. Joyce
2. Loye
3. Vaughan
4. Pietersen
5. Freddie
6. Bell
7. Collingwood
8. Nixon
9. Plunks
10. Panesar
11. Anderson
Reason for Bell & Colly so low, need good runners throughout the middle order, they aren't big hitters. If the Top 5 fire then there wont be any need for them throughout anyways. 10 overs can be shared by Colly/Vaughan/Pieterson
Complain about this post1. Joyce
2. Loye
3. Vaughan
4. Pietersen
5. Freddie
6. Bell
7. Collingwood
8. Nixon
9. Plunks
10. Panesar
11. Anderson
Reason for Bell & Colly so low, need good runners throughout the middle order, they aren't big hitters. If the Top 5 fire then there wont be any need for them throughout anyways. 10 overs can be shared by Colly/Vaughan/Pieterson
Complain about this postI cannot understand why Jon Lewis is in nearly every squad but is rarely picked despite being a brilliant seem bowler
We would have done much better in the Ashes if he had been in the attack, maybe he will get his chance in the West Indies
Complain about this postI cannot understand why Jon Lewis is in nearly every squad but is rarely picked despite being a brilliant seem bowler
We would have done much better in the Ashes if he had been in the attack, maybe he will get his chance in the West Indies
Complain about this postJoyce
Loye
Bell
Strauss
Vaughn
Pietersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Prior
Dalrymple
Bopara
Yardy
Panesar
Plunkett
Lewis
Bits n pieces are what make up a decent ODI side, it wasn't that long ago that Paul Collingwood was described in that very manner.
Wouldn't call him that now eh?
That's why Yardy/Bopara/Dalrymple all must go, they all have decent returns with the bat, why Yardy was dropped after making 30 odd with the bat and taking a 3-for on his debut (don't know who he's upset) i don't know.
Matt Prior can bat well at this level, just not as an opener, he would be very decent coming in at 6-7 like nixon! (better than nixon).
Complain about this postPaul Grunhill has the team spot on for my money!
Complain about this postI have looked at nearly all the comments,And as i said before i go with Anna, But the one comment that other writers have written that really gets my goat, is the debate over Chris Read, & Paul Nixon. I hold up my hand that i am truely a Chris Read fan.But people who say that we must stick by Nixon because he has done so well, the man only scored just over a 100 runs in 10 innings, i cant see any lodgic saying that is good,Everyone knows that Chris is Premier league where Nixon is league 1,Dont tell me that Read is poor with the bat he had couple of poor knocks in the test series, but had a great time in the West indies last winter and a good summer.He is a true class act, so if Fletcher has any dreams of winning the world cup then it has to be Read,
Complain about this postMy starting XI would be:
Prior
Loye
Bell
Peitersen
Collingwood
Flintoff
Shah
Yardy
Plunkett
Broad
Mahmood
Rest of squad would consist of:
Strauss
Complain about this postLewis
Dalrymple
Anderson
My England World Cup Squad would be:
Vaughan (C), Pietersen, Joyce, Strauss, Bell, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple, Nixon (WK), Read, Anderson, Panesar, Mahmood, Plunkett, Lewis.
With a starting 11 of
Joyce, Vaughan, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Dalrymple, Nixon, Plunkett, Panesar, Anderson
I wouldn't risk Strauss while he's out of form, maybe give him along with the ones not in my 11 a go in a warm up game, Mahmood is too expensive and the extra runs he gives away could cost us when it comes to the Super 8's. I would play Nixon just because he played well in the CB Series.
Complain about this postI think people are under estimating the imnportance of Nixon's gob. He clearly wound up the Aussies and lifted the team spirit of our boys - in a way that Jones and Read will never be able to do. He's a tidy keeper and a capable batsmen and with his chuntering he's a must for the world cup. (We seem happy enough to keep Vaughan because he can captain despite his, frankly, school boy level performances - why not Nixon?)
Here's a fact: Micheal Vaughan will never return to international cricket for more than a few matches at a time. Just like Simon Jones his injuries will not go away. Look at soccer - once someones hamstring goes it keeps on going. Get rid.
Complain about this postVaughan must be on the plane - freddies done alright in the last two weeks with a "resurgent England" but still lacks depth when the pressure is on.
Comments about not taking Vaughan because he risks getting injured make no sense - it's the world cup, you put your best side out and have a contingency plan for every single player. The side that wins the world cup (and I don't for a minute think it'll be us) will do so carrying at least two injuries.
My only caveat to that is that as Martin Gough said, against the weaker sides, Vaughan is rested and Strauss / Flintoff captains.
Complain about this postNot too hard to guess what the England 15 will be tomorrow. Perhaps Stuart Broad will be the only 'surprise' of sorts. I'd go for him over Mahmood. However, if I had my way, I would replace Dalrymple with Yardy (better batsman, more bowling variety and equally good in the field), Nixon with Prior (not much in it with the gloves and Matt is a destructive hitter on his day. Could be used as a slugger early on) and choose Kirtley before Lewis (James had a great one day season for Sussex in 2006 and deserves his chance again after working so hard on his action). Sussex to win the World Cup for England!
Complain about this postBest XI
1.Joyce
2.Loye
3.Pietersen
4.Vaughan(C)
5.Bell
6.Flintoff
7.Collingwood
8.Nixon (WK)
9.Plunkett
10.Lewis
11.Panesar
Loye, Joyce and Pietersen need to get us off to a good start in quick time so the likes of Bell, Vaughan and Collingwood can build an big innings.
Complain about this postWhy do people keep criticise Nixon's selection? He scored two hundreds and six 50s in the championship last year and averaged 59.66.
His keeping is excellent in one day cricket and don't forget that he came into the series without any cricket behind him.
He raised the level of England's performance by his shear enthusiasm and bloody-mindedness. He has a will to win that was sadly lacking in some of those southern softies.
As for the rest, Flintoff, Loye, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Panesar, Anderson, Plunkett, Broad, Bopara, Hoggard, Ricky Clarke, Vaughan (12th man)
Complain about this postMy team would be:
Vaughan (capt), Bopara, Joyce, Bell, Pietersen, Strauss, Collingwood, Flintoff, Nixon(WK), Dalrymple, Plunkett, Anderson, Mahmood, Lewis, Panesar.
Complain about this postI know there's no chance the selectors would do this but here's mine squad/starting 11:
1. STRAUSS
2. VAUGHAN (cpt)
3. COOK - (completely overlooked by the way)
4. PIETERSEN
5. COLLINGWOOD
6. FLINTOFF
7. BOPARA - (good all-rounder)
8. GILES - (Panesar for test matches)
9. READ (wkt)
10. LEWIS - (Mr. Economical)
11. ANDERSON
12. BELL
Complain about this post13. PLUNKETT
14. PANESAR
15. JOYCE
and why has nobody thought as a keeping option of the mighty NIC POTHAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he is an extremely dependable keeper, great batting talent, as an innings builder, and also as a belter late on. and yes, he has qualified to play for england! also chris benham, centuries in his one day record last season were fantastic! my squad if you will... PLZ COMMENT ON IT!!!
Complain about this post1 vaughan
2 trescothick
3 joyce
4 pothas!!!!!!!!! w/keeper
5 flintoff
6 pieterson
7 bell
8 collingwood
9 panesar
10 tremlett
11 mahmood
12 lewis
13 benham
14 anderson (reluctantly!!!!!!)
and finally 15 bopara.
tell me your views, espec on keeper supremo pothas!
I take issue with Jamie Lillywhite's assessment of the wicket-keeping scenario. A quick look at the statistics would soon prove him wrong in his assessment of Matt Prior. From his 12 matches, Prior has got 240 runs at an average of 20, none of which were nice little not-outs like Nixon and Read have had the luxury of. Nixon's average is a poultry 11.55, while Read's is 17.64 (his highest score isn't much higher than Prior's average!).
Complain about this postI think that answers the question that Prior is probably the best of a bad bunch, but to bring in a different keeper at this late stage would not be advisable, so England will have to stick with Nixon (and cross our fingers!)
My 15:
Complain about this postFlintoff (capt)
Joyce
Loye
Bell
Collingwood
Strauss
Pieterson
Dalrymple
Nixon
Panesar
Plunket
Mahmood
Lewis
Anderson
Broad
Those of you who have sided with the 'If it aint broke don't fix it' argument, well done.
The rest of you - I'm glad you're not selectors. Why on earth start trying new players and formats at the world cup particulalry after the team belatedly developed some cohesion?
CONSISTENCY is clearly the key.
Complain about this postmy 1IX would be: vaughan(c) joyce, bell, peitersen, collingwood, Flintoff, Read (wk), Loudon, plunkett, lewis, anderson. my reserves would be: panersar, loye, strauss, shaw, mahmood
Complain about this postStaurt broad has been playing international cricket much and shouldn't risk him yet and darymple just isint good enough with the bat and shaw is a brilliant domestic batsman. strauss is a quality batesman but i dont think he is needed until england go in with 4 bowlers and and extra batsman. ps yardy should be picked in the summer
my starting eleven for the World Cup would be Boycott,Edrich,Woolmer,Collingwood,Knott,
Complain about this postBotham,Underwood,Snow,Old,Willis,Small
A lot of experience with the in form batting of Collingwood + his fielding capabilities.
Boycs and Edrich wont give their wickets away Willis as the spearhead bowler, Small and Old for the Seamers. Knott wicketkeeper/batsman extrordinaire. Botham well say no more but the ultimate Aussie basher
I feel another tickertape parade in Trafalger Square. Probably not in an open top bus more like shopping scooters and zimmer frames
My team would be
joyce,vaughan,bell,pietersen,collingwood,flintoff,dalrymple,nixon,plunkett,anderson,panesar
The 4 reserves would be
Loye
Bopara
Mahmood
Strauss
Would play vaughan ahead of strauss because of his captaincy. With this lineup we bat quite a long way down and we have 4 main bowlers in panesar,plunkett,anderson and flintoff with collingwood and dalrymple as other bowling options. I wouldn't change too many as they are a winning team. Only pietersen, vaughan and anderson. I think nixon is doing nothing wrong and should keep his place. Anderson must play instead of mahmood he isn't an international bowler.
Complain about this postI would not really like to take Strauss, Until he learns to move his feet when playing outside the off stump he will continue to get caught behind. The Aussies get him nearly every time and so now, will all the other top sides. He just waves his bat out to dry. Will he ever learn?
Complain about this postMy team
Vaughan (Capt) Loye Bell Flintoff (Vice capt) Joyce Peiterson Nixon Broad Plunkett Collingwood Panesar Dalrymple Mahmood Anderson and Cook.
If Vaughan fails to be fit then I would promote Flintoff as Capt. Then God help us we may have to recall the concrete footed Strauss but even Shah comes into the reckoning