Can someone explain why not select James Tredwell as the spinner? At least he's experienced... and a heckuva lot better than Monty in other aspects of the game. And surely he's a better bet than an unknown leggie (whose credentials seem to be more like Steve Smith's than a proper spinner).

Borthwick is going to get belted into submission. He is at best an average county bowler. This wreaks of Australia picking Cameron White as a bowler batting at #8 in india some years back. If Monty is not fit Tredwell should play. I know he had a terrible county season but I am sure he will give the England attack more control than Borthwick and can also contribute valuable runs down the order.

He'll be fine. He's an excellent fielder and a good replacement for Tim Bresnan at number eight. This, at the SCG, is about the best time to introduce him to Test bowling.

Not worried about Borthwick at all. If we're going to pick Bairstow as a wicket-keeper (which he ain't), and we're going to continue to ignore Finn as the future of our fast bowling trinity (which we might), then we have more serious problems than just injecting an interesting alternative that might or might not work.

England is expecting a miracle from Scott Borthwick and putting him under lot of pressure. They are hoping that he will win the 5th test for them, please let this debutant play game and let him concentrate the game.