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If Moores & Farbrace settle down - and it seems that they start off the best of cricketing mates - the big issue for England's cricket is how Cook develops as a captain. This will only come under scrutiny when the bowlers begin to get some heavy and regular tap. Can AC think in the moment, back hunches, lay the odd cunning plan? In Australia, as Laurence Booth points out here, there was too much reliance on Cook going to Andy Flower for ideas. And, in a way, you can understand why. Flower had the background of being successful with Strauss and Cook was the new captain: if Strauss & Flower were equals, then Flower & Cook were not. Now Cook's captaincy is in place and Moores has, in effect, been asked to work with him. That is the better way round. The most interesting aspect of a season that should be full of interest on the England front is just how, and how much, Cook's captaincy develops. A thumping win over India (provided a motivated India turns up) will be a fair test of AC & PM.

I really don't understand the negative attitude to Carberry. However many 50s he didn't get in Oz his average was second to he who shall not be named. If the notably helpful team player Mr X (just ask George!) was not helpful or team player or run-scorer enough, and Mr C was just not good enough, how can anyone else possibly hold their place?

As far as the Farbrace affair goes, there is a simple remedy for future attempts at such burglary: swingeing damages and non-compete clauses in the coaches' contracts.

On the other hand, I can only say that it is a great shame that NZ isn't due to tour England for some years.

@espncricinfo, why your videos buffer so much, can't even watch it properly, when you guys are uploading something then buy one good server or allot some good amount of bandwidth to it, don't question my internet speed cause its 1 Gbps

@front foot.

Carberry didn't put a foot right either. One 50 in 10 innings and averaged under 30. Hardly kicking down doors to cement a spot as a long term England opener, especially as he is 34/35

I'd go for Robson and Cook to open, they have both started well this year and Robson finished as one of the leading batsman in 1st division county cricket last year, he deserves a shot.

Compton deserved to go to OZ ahead of Carberry as he had a far better record and it was in division 1, not division 2 like Carberry's record but it seems the England set up don't like him and don't want to pick him so his days of playing for England look like they're over.

No mention of Finn's return to form, leading wicket taker in 1st div county cricket so far and not a word?

Nice work. Hopefully Sri Lanka thank England by smashing them. No mention of Carberry here, the guy didn't set a foot wrong in Australia.

Well done George. Lawrence was beginning to warm up towards the end. Polite enquiries is brilliant.