England problems continue
February 02, 2012 08:25:12 UK
England have suffered another setback with the news Ian Bell has a bug, following Jonathan Trott's illness in the last match.
Andy Flower has threatened to make changes to the batting for the third and final Test and Eoin Morgan, although not having netted the least runs, appears the most likely candidate to lose his place. Only Alastair Cook and Matt Prior can be totally confident of their places but captain Andrew Strauss and Trott are unlikely casualties.
Bell's distress may force his absence but, apart from Ravi Bopara, the only other batting option is Steven Davies. Many may feel that Bopara is too big a risk and Davies, who is quite happy to use his feet, looks the better bet. However, the England set-up often refer to "the next cab of the rank" with regards to selection issues and Bopara definitely falls into that category.
With the ECB making regular profits, surely it would make sense to have more than one batting or bowling option available, or do what was the practice during the Ashes and have the Lions squad playing in the country at the same time. It is ironic that the second wicketkeeper may come under consideration for a batting berth at a time when the third, fourth and fifth candidates are taking the Lions' batting honours in Sri Lanka - the full team's next destination. Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter have registered centuries and Jonathan Bairstow has weighed in as well.
Bopara for Morgan appears the most likely change with Pakistan keen to keep the pressure on the wilting England batting. England's bowlers are likely to be unchanged although Steven Finn may be considered due to the Dubai conditions, but dropping Monty Panesar hardly appears an option.
England are 2.87 to win the third Test while Pakistan are at 2.50. The draw can be backed at 3.25.
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