Posted by BifferSpice on (August 8, 2011, 15:24 GMT)

unbelievable, the amount of people STILL pressing for 5 bowlers. have you seen how we've been doing with 4? really? check the results. we're doing well. the approach is CLEARLY a 4 man attack, and it's working. when there's a system in place, and a player gets injured, he will be replaced by another player of the same type. a batsman for a batsman, a bowler for a bowler. can you not understand that? our 4 bowlers have done absolutely superbly this series (and for some time now), and yet you don't think they're up to doing it again? this is a system clearly preferred by the selectors. they will not be changing it here. maybe on the subcontinent, but not here. get over yourselves and deal with it.

Posted by stevieboy74 on (August 8, 2011, 14:09 GMT)

I was all for picking Tayloir and originally was dissappointed in the selection of Bopora. I've had a think about it and can now see where the selctors are coming from. Bopora scored three Test hundreds in a row but had a nightmare Ashes in 2009. He's gone away and performed well for Essex and deserves another go. He's only 26 and too talented a cricketer to be discarded at that age. Here's hoping he does the business though as it would be a shame for him to be bracketed along with Shah and Ramprakash as a highly talented player who never quite made it. Taylor is the coming man and will surely make tour squads this winter.

Posted by 5wombats on (August 8, 2011, 13:16 GMT)

@Ahsan_Shere; "Batting will be a serious concern for England at Edgbaston" Really??? Now why would it be a concern? This is the batting that scored 474/8dec at Lords and 544 at Trent Bridge and was more than enough to win each game. Surely you mean; "Englands batting will be a serious concern for India at Edgbaston". And this is just the batting - Englands bowling will be even more of a concern for India at Edgbaston; bowling which has knocked india over 3 times for under 300 and once for under 200 in the 4 Innings so far. All things considered - there are a lot of things here that should be of serious concern to India.

Posted by SamuelH on (August 8, 2011, 12:11 GMT)

Bobmartin - Taylor's name's been spoken about for a couple of years now, and I'd be wary of downgrading Division 2 runs. The new regulations about the heavy roller, the new ball that is designed to swing more and the fact that all the clubs chase promotion and therefore produce "result" pitches means that runs are probably harder to come by in the lower tier!

Posted by bobmartin on (August 8, 2011, 10:31 GMT)

The Bopara selection is perhaps not so stupid as it appears to many folk. Trott has hardly contributed much with the bat so far in this series, so why not replace him with Bopara and give him a chance to nail down a spot in the squad. Even if he fails, it doesn't look like it will make that much difference to the batting strength. And if he does fail, then the door is open for one of the other contenders. I think all those calling for Taylor should be a bit wary... After all, very few of us had heard of him till he started making the headlines this season... He needs several seasons of this form to be in contention for a test place. Remember Hildreth ? He was being spoken of in high places last year... and now ? not apparently in the frame because his form last year hasn't been evident this. Sustained form is what matters, not just one good season in a team at the bottom of division 2 in the county championship

Posted by SamuelH on (August 8, 2011, 9:48 GMT)

Zapeta - Ravi's an Essex boy! Hardly South African now, is it...

Posted by me54321 on (August 8, 2011, 5:51 GMT)

Happy to see Bopara in the team. Hopefully he'll out-perform Morgan, and claim that no.6 spot when Trott gets back. i'm really not a fan of Morgan yet, he just doesn't look able to do anything unless the ball is old, bowlers are tired, and the conditions are good for batting.

Posted by zapeta on (August 8, 2011, 5:01 GMT)

This England Team is mixture of cricketers from all over the world. They will invite for county cricket and tune them into English cricketers. India also should pull some body like Dale steyn into bowling attack using IPL tricks.

Posted by Ahsan_Shere on (August 8, 2011, 1:26 GMT)

Batting will be a serious concern for England at Edgbaston given that Straussy & Cook going through times plus Eoin Morgan hasn't performed much in the series yet with another newcomer in the side , so they will bank on Kevin, Ian & of course lower order (Broad & Bresnan) as there batting averages are above 60 & 50 this series respectively. Have I forgotten someone; Oh' Matt Prior!!! He's been magnificent this season, he always add some valuable runs for his side.

Posted by boston_pride on (August 8, 2011, 1:11 GMT)

They could have easily gone with Taylor or Hildreth... Bopara has had his chances n failed... I agree with continuity of selection as we are seeing is the case with Bell right now... But I really think now would have been the perfect time for an youngster to come in and cement his position

Posted by RJHB on (August 8, 2011, 0:19 GMT)

Bopara is a flat track bully with a pretty poor technique. Surely the Indian bowlers, especially if Khan is back, will have him for breakfast!

Posted by   on (August 8, 2011, 0:18 GMT)

India will lose again high time and because there team can only be world champion on their own soil, which is dead !!!!

Posted by tjsimonsen on (August 7, 2011, 20:56 GMT)

@udit9: If you had followed county cricket in England and Wales, you would have been aware that there are a number of very talented young (under 25) batsmen around at the moment, probably around a dozen. Not all will make it into the test team, I'm sure. But the talent base is there. Of more experienced players several other spring to mind (apart from Bopara), including Shah, Carberry, Solanki and Key. I think Monty would be first choice replacement for Swann. Sure, they are not as good as the players currently in the test team (that's why they are in the team after all). But the back up seems rather adequate.

Posted by NickHughes on (August 7, 2011, 19:20 GMT)

The world championship West Indies sides had 4 bowlers. The world championship Australian sides had 4 bowlers. They knew to keep the game simple, but highly effective. Plenty of English commentators and pundits on the sidelines seem to overthink and muddle the game with the theory that England need 5 bowlers or they can't win. Sorry, but unless the pitch is really a flat track 5 bowlers just sends the message to the players that the selectors think one of the 4 main bowlers will fail and they're including a back up just in case.

Posted by coatsie89 on (August 7, 2011, 17:57 GMT)

@Satish Kumar - i do believe the south african debate happened over a year ago now. Bit behind on it really. It's only since Trott came into the side that the argument came up. What about when Andrew Symonds played for Australia but could have played for England?!?! no difference. India could do with a batsman other than Dravid that can bat on a pitch that isn't dead. Anyone can bat on a pitch in the sub-continent, but it seems that the Indian batsmen don't have the technique, fight or guts to bat on a pitch in the UK - highly embarrassing!

Posted by sudhanlittle on (August 7, 2011, 14:51 GMT)

england best bowling aattack after aussie.......................i hope 4-0

Posted by udit9 on (August 7, 2011, 12:00 GMT)

ENGLAND HAVE NO DEPTH IN BATTING , THEY ONLY HAVE BACK UP FOR THEIR PACE BOWLERS WHAT IF SWANN OR A PIETERSON GETS INGURED THEN WHAT????

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 11:13 GMT)

Always wanted Bopara to be the next choice before but they picked the Irishman Morgan which was terrible! but now the South African Trott is out injured I was actually hoping they picked young Taylor as he has been easily out performing Bopara this season!

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 10:44 GMT)

This English team is more african then english.... why England can not produce players to play their national team ????

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 10:34 GMT)

I do not agree with the 5 bowler theory. England are 2 up with 2 to play. We get the number 1 spot by ensuring India do not win either of the last two matches. We have not had any trouble taking 20 wickets in good time but we have had some batting collapses. So why weaken the batting? I agree we might play 5 bowlers in the future but not now.

Posted by JustIPL on (August 7, 2011, 10:23 GMT)

Bopara with 20 hundreds at the age of 26 deserves a chance against the weaker opposition. If he contributes in the lower middle order then his confidence will build. while india and windies did experimentation then y not english. England are on the up and Bopara can grab the opportunity with both hands and I am sure he will. Against aussies or south africans he might be patchy but for other teams he has a great opportunity of adding to his tally of 20 hundreds.

Posted by SamuelH on (August 7, 2011, 10:20 GMT)

@ Blake Houston, England won't ever go in to a game with four seamers in my eyes - if they ever drop a batsman, it will be on a flat pitch where they feel two spinners would be needed (like in Bangladesh last year, where Tredwell came in for Carberry). If there's any sort of life in the pitch for quick men, they'll back their main three bowlers, whoever they may be, to do the job. If Bopara has genuinely been picked for the fact that he can fill in a few overs, I think it's strange thinking to be honest - he shouldn't be needed with the form our attack is in at the moment. We just seem so reluctant in England to throw in really young, talented cricketers. Taylor will probably have to wait another five years or so for a chance! Having said all that, I hope Ravi proves me wrong and scores a sackful.

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 9:57 GMT)

Hoping that England will be bold and go with five bowlers considering three of them are more than decent batsmen. Not a fan of Bopara - all style no substance - but assuming that he will play (batting at 6 and being the fifth bowler). If Samit Patel is so highly rated, wouldn't this have been the opportunity to give him a debut?

Posted by Show_Pony on (August 7, 2011, 9:35 GMT)

Bopara has had most of his problems at test level batting at 3, Bell will be in this role. Ravi will go OK at 6.

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 7:41 GMT)

The best thing for england would be to have Bopara not playing, and have Bresnan play as allrounder, he is in such good form with bat and ball it wud be a waste to leave him out. Prior could bat at 5 , morgan 6, bresnan 7, broad 8, that is plenty enough batting and makes the bowling line up so much more stable. With Bresna playing as allrounder its then possible to play Broad, tremlett, anderson and swann as well and have a great 5 man attack so even if one goes down injured u still have 4 bowlers. To be honest, Bopara isnt a great deal better then bresnan as a batsman anyway, currently bresnan's test batting average is higher then Bopara's. Also as i suggested Prior should bat at 5, the guy averages 45, he scores rapid hundreds and is a match winner, he is under utilized at number 7. He is a better player in test matches then morgan so why is morgan batting ahead of him? If Prior plays at 5, he has time to make 200+ batting with Bell, KP, Morgan, bresnan, broad, but not if he at 7

Posted by JustIPL on (August 7, 2011, 6:17 GMT)

It is english team sprit. They dont want to give impression that south african dissent players are being replaced with english players and awarded that spot to Bopara. In my opinion they want to experiment with him once more keeping in view the fact he will join the already strong lower order which India are unable to control. He is just 26 and recently scored a centruty so age is no issue. Taking broad example who was about to be dropped from the team but was selected for recent county 6--for and proved too good for India Bopara can sieze this opportunity to score against a weaker opposition. South african players have been too good for india startiing from straussfull somerset game where willoughby tought them a lesson or two.

Posted by ADB1 on (August 7, 2011, 5:12 GMT)

So Trott is out? Phew, I can breathe easy now - if England lose or draw the 3rd Test, we can claim we are understrength, the result doesn't count and we're still No 1.

Posted by Shan156 on (August 7, 2011, 3:15 GMT)

England should have selected another batsman instead of Bopara to replace Trott. While 5 bowlers looks nice on paper, you have to realize that 3 of England's top 5 atm are hopelessly out of form and look clueless against the Indian seamers. They are Strauss, Cook and Morgan. We have to rely on top order runs from Bell and KP and a bit of lower order batting from Prior, Bresnan and Broad (and, perhaps, Swann). Granted they are all batting well atm (Prior, especially, looks in the form of his life). But, it would be a huge gamble against an Indian attack even without Zaheer. The leggie Mishra might be included for the next 2 tests, remember. We don't have the luxury of getting gifts off the innocuous off-breaks of Harbhajan anymore. With this squad, though, England have no other option but to play Bopara at #6. Strauss, Cook, Bell, KP, Morgan, Bopara, Prior, Bresnan, Broad, Swann, Anderson. England won't risk Tremlett what with Bresnan more than filling in for him.

Posted by cricfan800 on (August 7, 2011, 2:50 GMT)

It's Eoin Morgan 193 not 192!

Thanks!

Posted by allblue on (August 7, 2011, 1:34 GMT)

@chandau on (August 06 2011, 09:14 AM GMT) You ask "Do ENGLAND have the courage to go 6/5?" As England are two up with two to play, it would not be courage but tactical ineptitude to weaken the batting line-up for this game. India, on the other hand, are two down with two to play. So the question is do India have the courage to go 6/5? Bat Dhoni at 6? Now that would be courageous!

Posted by coatsie89 on (August 7, 2011, 1:21 GMT)

disgraceful selection. How many opportunities do we want to give Ravi?!? He has proved he is the next Rikki Clarke - good at county level but can't cut it at the top! He got lucky and scored all his runs against one of the weaker test teams in the world then came up against a half decent attack in the ashes and didn't have a clue! time to move on. James Taylor has done plenty in my opinion to earn himself a call up. Got more age on his side than Ravi and has put in consistent performances since coming onto the county circuit. Think the selectors have lost the plot a bit here. Big shame! Hopefully you'll get in the squad for the winter Mr Taylor because you deserve your opportunity. This selction is a joke.

Posted by   on (August 7, 2011, 0:34 GMT)

good decesion to take bopara baCK BUTT STILL THINKS ENGLAND HAVE TO GO WITH 5 BOWLERS AND 4 SEAMERS AS BRESNAN AND STUARD BOARD PLAYING LIIKE A MIDDLE ORDER BATSMEN AND BOARD CAN EASILY BAT ON NO 7 WITH PRIOR WHOSE IN SUBLIME FORM CAN BAT AT 6..

Posted by thebarmyarmy on (August 7, 2011, 0:01 GMT)

Averaging 33 I dont think Id bother adding him to squad. We have plenty capable of bettering him who are bowlers.

Posted by Silloh on (August 6, 2011, 23:36 GMT)

I have heard of Ravi Bopara and am not aware of his Test statistics. For him to be included in this current line up , he must be pretty talented. Could this be provided ;also what has happened to the spinner Panessar - I see he has been regulated to provide spin practice to the Indian team.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 23:05 GMT)

The three main possible options for England are: play 3 seamers i.e replace Trott with Finn or Tremlett depending on fitness, play Ravi in the middle order and have Bell at 3 or play Taylor in the middle order and have Bell at 3. Having just played in a game where England were reduced to 128-8, I wouldn't be so eager to play less batsman, especially in a game where drawing would still be a great result for England. Of Taylor and Bopara I feel this could be Ravi's last chance to prove himself and settle the debate as to whether he will be effective taking england into the future or not. Taylor is far younger which means that his chance will inevitably come if he continues to perform at the county level, however his inexperience is not a risk I think it would be wise to rely on at such a stage in this era of english cricket. Bopara at least has proven that he can churn out those big scores at the county level more far more than Taylor. He would be my choice every time.

Posted by Tresco101 on (August 6, 2011, 22:43 GMT)

@tdobbo - Bopara the unsung hero of the 2009 ashes? scoring 105 runs in 7 innings with an average of 15 and a highest score of 35, im not sure hero is quite the word i'd use to describe him!

Posted by landl47 on (August 6, 2011, 22:24 GMT)

I like Bopara much more at #6 than at #3. Bell showed in the last test that he is perhaps the best batsman in the world right at this moment; an average of 65 against Australia, 2 hundreds and 2 fifties in 4 innings (3notout ) against Sri Lanka and now that beautiful hundred against India. Bopara's bowling might well be useful, too, and he is a lively fielder. I think England might opt for safety and Bresnan rather than take a risk on Tremlett.

Posted by RAVI_BOPARA on (August 6, 2011, 22:24 GMT)

SHOULD NEVER HAD BEEN DROPPED IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!

Posted by Finn92 on (August 6, 2011, 21:59 GMT)

Thing is for Bopara even IF he performs well, what is it going to do for him? Trott will just come back into the side even if Ravi tons up. Trott gets in ahead of Bopara 100 times out of 100. I think we can afford to play 5 bowlers with Tremlett replacing Trott in the XI as Broad, Bresnan and Prior are scoring enough runs to make up for Trott.

Posted by Roger_Allott on (August 6, 2011, 18:58 GMT)

A good decision to select Ravi, who surely must play at 6 with a 4-man bowling attack. His trundlers offer the emergency-relief that our bowling unit needs, and that's probably what tipped it in his favour over Taylor. The next test is a must-not-lose one, so batting deep will be crucial, which means Bresnan should keep his place and Tremlett and Finn will be released for county duties.

Posted by prannsshu on (August 6, 2011, 18:36 GMT)

great to see a talented man is back in squad.... he deserves a place in test team....... best of luck ravi jst grab this chance in prove your self.......!!!!!!

Posted by phoenixsteve on (August 6, 2011, 17:56 GMT)

Judging by the way India have struggled against Northants?Somerset it shouldn't matter too much who England pick! Indeed a five day game against a full strength Essex, Surrey or Durham should be too much for India to cope with! Hopefully India will raise their game and maybe even manage a 300+ score in the 3 rd test? I'm not expecting it though....... COME ON ENGLAND!!!

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 17:47 GMT)

forget bopara... just go with 5 bowlers..... this is the perfect timing to go for the kill...

Posted by big_al_81 on (August 6, 2011, 17:43 GMT)

This is such a perfect opportunity for England to do what they should have been doing all along in my view and play 5 BOWLERS, most of whom can really bat rather well. For the time-being that probably means Morgan keeps his place but when Trott returns I'd lose Morgan and continue with the 5 bowlers in most situations - much more attacking. In Broad, Tremlett and Swann we have as many runs as Flintoff and Giles produced in the 2005 side (probably more). In Prior we have a VERY capable number 6. A far more balanced side that will genuinely be able to beat anyone, even the Saffers who are the real number 2 (even number 1) side.

Posted by AKS286 on (August 6, 2011, 17:19 GMT)

bopara in playing 11 don't make team weak morgan bopara is the key for india. remember sehwag & gambhir back. suppiah , carberry, key, westwood will be first preferance but a BIG NOOOOOO TO BOPARA.

Posted by vichan on (August 6, 2011, 15:23 GMT)

@Tahir "At last english will use some indian material as well in place of material from souuth africa"...Come on mate, we've been through all this. Bopara is as "Indian" as Nasser Hussain (actually less so). This constant nonsense about the racial origins of England's players is getting a bit stale now. Let it be, and accept that a good grassroots system in England is producing some excellent cricketers at the moment. By the way, I am also a British Asian (like Bopara) and would love nothing more than for England to polish the Indians off.

Posted by tdobbo on (August 6, 2011, 15:08 GMT)

I think Bopara was the unsung hero for England in Ashes 2009, unlucky not to be part of the 2010 squad that annhilated Australia,

Posted by AndyZaltzmannsHair on (August 6, 2011, 15:06 GMT)

If Ravi plays, India have a 50/50 chance of winning. If Eng want to be serious, just play 4 pace bowlers, if Trott sits out. Tremlett or Finn in for Trott.

Posted by GHemrajani on (August 6, 2011, 15:05 GMT)

I would play Taylor or 5 bowlers. Bopara is history and there is no point in going backwards.

Posted by Fluffykins on (August 6, 2011, 14:42 GMT)

Real pity to see Trott out I feel better knowing he's in the team and was looking forward to see him bat.

Have to agree with mnay others that I was hoping Taylor would get a go, I dont think Bopara has proved he has a test match mentality.

Posted by allblue on (August 6, 2011, 14:13 GMT)

Like many here I'm surprised by Bopara's selection, but at this stage I'm happy to have faith in the selectors (something that would have been unthinkable until a few years ago!). I suspect they are keeping a longer view in mind - and the art of selection is balancing your strongest current XI while still factoring in the next series and the one after that. Passing over Bopara now would have probably signalled the end of his Test aspirations, he is 'next off the rank' after Morgan so to have left him out here would have been a clear statement of intent by the selectors. There's no doubting his talent, it's whether he can produce it at Test level that's the question, so it's a good thing that they are giving him every chance to fulfil his potential. 'Last chance saloon' is a weary cliché, but if he does play at Edgbaston he must know it's now or never for his Test career, not least because the additional pressure of his situation will really test his mettle. Good luck to him.

Posted by Trickstar on (August 6, 2011, 13:50 GMT)

Absolutely ridiculous decision, Bopara has been rubbish this year and tbh it is a lazy pick,no thought gone into it at all, he will be a walking wicket. There are so many better batsman than Bopara in County cricket. I'd rather have Bresnan batt6ing than Bopara, horrible call this.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 13:39 GMT)

I think Ravi deserves another go, how many times were people calling for Cook and Ian Bells head before they proved they could do it? Good luck to him, he provides handy bowling to give the main seamers a rest to. I would love to see us play 5 main bowlers, I think we would absolutely bury India with 4 seamers. But I just can't see the selectors doing that.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 13:15 GMT)

Ravi Bopara is the most brilliant batsman not playing test cricket. Stylistically, a cross between Majid Khan and Mark Waugh. Some of his flicks to leg are reminiscent of his hero, Viv Richards. Unlike those 3, he can also go a dozen innings without making double figures, get run out walking a single and often elegantly chips the ball straight to fielders. It's his application and decision making that are questionable. If he had been a constant fixture in the England side, he may have matured by now, or shown himself to not be up to it. He might play beautifully against this popgun Indian attack and I'm not sure what it would prove. James Taylor is a very short player, excellent square of the wicket. In limited over games he often cuts and pulls straight bowling quite brilliantly. He has played well this season and could do as well against India as he did v SL. Bopara is the next in line and more touched by genius. Time will tell. England are fortunate in their options.

Posted by JustIPL on (August 6, 2011, 13:12 GMT)

Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh are out so it is time for Ravindar Singh to come not for India but for england.

Posted by Domzo on (August 6, 2011, 12:56 GMT)

@Tahir1234 - Bopara was born in Forest Gate, London. If you're going to pull out the tired old jibes, at least do your homework. I'm suspecting Bopara gets the nod as he can bowl a bit, and because he has test experience (albeit with very variable results). Taylor needs a bit more seasoning, remember he has mostly been playing against Division 2 bowling attacks (even if he has been carrying a weak batting lineup). Bopara has too, but he's also batted against test attacks. I rather hope they keep Bell at 3 and slot Bopara in at 5 or 6 if they play the standard England format. Bopara is a shotmaker and I think that he'd benefit from there being less pressure lower down the order. Of course if Morgan is playing that might mean moving him up to 5.

Posted by dagger64 on (August 6, 2011, 12:50 GMT)

I think Bopara is fortunate to get the nod ahead of Taylor. I have a feeling it will be his last chance saloon for Bopara. He will need to nail this down quickly as there are other promising English batsmen on the horizon. Well, I wish him good luck to Bopara, for your sake, make it count. We want to win 4-0 against India. Thats the way Australia and the West Indies have done in their heyday days.

Posted by DurhamSegga on (August 6, 2011, 12:34 GMT)

I do not see what Bopara has done to earn the recall. He hasn't performed well this season whereas the likes of Taylor and Stokes have, although I still believe they should be given another year or 2 in county cricket to mature a bit more. Personally, I think that Tremlett should replace Trott in the 11 for the test as we have plenty of batting with Bresnan, Broad and Swann in the side. Bopara should not play!

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 12:28 GMT)

Why?!?! Bopara's not a test batsman - James Taylor is a much better player and in better form. What is wrong with international selectors these days?

Posted by tdobbo on (August 6, 2011, 12:17 GMT)

great to see Rhavi Bradman back on the team!

Posted by dkmemon on (August 6, 2011, 12:04 GMT)

I can understand the burning fire inside Indian fellows,,,so they are looking to dig in for minor issues as about Ravi Bopara an Indian Material,,,We have so many of subcontinet and South Africa but no one is as geniune as TROTT...wishing him a speedy recovery,,,,by the way we are alreading done with the series,,,its just to tease U by deploying Ravi,,,,

Posted by jonesy2 on (August 6, 2011, 11:59 GMT)

ah well the indians will be having that the walking wicket is in the england squad

Posted by saeeq on (August 6, 2011, 11:33 GMT)

A good chance for Bopara to prove his selection.so ravi grab this opportunity and perform well. best of luck,

Posted by mrsaha on (August 6, 2011, 11:21 GMT)

its great to see BOPARA back in the squad..

hope he can contribute in absence of trott

Posted by AlanHarrison on (August 6, 2011, 10:48 GMT)

There will be be disappointment at this announcement amongst Colville and his mates in the Sky studio who appear to comprise the James Taylor Fan Club. However, I maintain there is no need for either Bopara or Taylor to play in the next test. After the batting of Prior, Broad, Bresnan and Swann in the last two tests, surely anyone can see that those four in that order (more or less) comprise a viable 6-9 in the batting line-up. However, given the way England selectors seem to think these days, plus the fact they are 2-0 up in the series, I imagine Bopara will probably get the nod at the expense of Finn/Tremlett.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 10:41 GMT)

I would further say that be serious about Bopara England team as his performance in test has not been consistent and good. He only fits for ODI. Do pray well for Trott's speedy recovery as prayer helps a lot as it's the way to miracle. So, I want Trott to get well soon before the third test match versus India.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 10:39 GMT)

It will be in the interest of England if they bring Tremlett back in the playing eleven instead of injured Trott and do not make any change further to maintain tempo!!

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 10:35 GMT)

I want Trott to get fully recovered by 10th of August as I will pray for him till my death so that he will be fit. I prefer Trott to Bopara because Trott has been better batsman in tests in comparison to Bopara. If Bopara is selected as a substitute, it's all right but he shouldn't be kept as a player as he only suits England in one-day cricket. Come on England come on. Do work hard for Trott and if possible try to bring Finn in place of Bopara. I saw Finn batting at the bottom of the order with a good fight when I last saw him against Sri Lanka at home.

Posted by nlight on (August 6, 2011, 10:25 GMT)

If Bopara plays and Bresnan doesn't, that would be a travesty.

Posted by Clive_Dunn on (August 6, 2011, 10:25 GMT)

Consistency is a good thing from the selectors, however Bopara has consistently failed to nail down his position as next man in at every opportunity. Little Jimmy Taylor would have been my choice.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 10:10 GMT)

For selfish reasons, delighted Trott is out....having purchased tickets for the match, last thing I wanted was for him to do an impression of watching paint dry!

Posted by JustIPL on (August 6, 2011, 10:06 GMT)

At last english will use some indian material as well in place of material from souuth africa. By the way english can play a whole team from the players of indian decent and still beat India.

Posted by Herath-UK on (August 6, 2011, 9:52 GMT)

I would have preferred James Taylor, looks a very good upcoming reliable cricketer;made significant scores in the Lions game against Sri Lanka A.Bopara is a good county crickerter but not taken the numerous chances given to him so far. It is time to look for young blood if England wants to keep going this excellent form. Ranil Herath -Kent

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 9:49 GMT)

Taylor should be in the squad instead of Bopara...Bopara is such a waste..taylor is much much better, talent wise and temperament wise...poor selection...

Posted by johnathonjosephs on (August 6, 2011, 9:42 GMT)

Oh boy... this gets real interesting now. If Swann has a niggle, I'm willing to bet they won't risk injury to him especially if Birmingham is suited for pace and not spin. What England should do is go all out for a 4 bowler pace attack consisting of Bresnan (who can bat), Broad (who also can bat), Tremlett, and Anderson. Part time spin can be shared by Pieterson and Bopara. Judging by how the spinners aren't playing a big role and how Swann was practically dead weight as a bowler so far, a 4 pace attack would be interesting, showing England is willing to go all out for the kill.

Posted by miketurney on (August 6, 2011, 9:41 GMT)

Really bad move - how many chances can you give him ?. Would have been a great chance to put Taylor or Hildreth in the squad. If England got a few more injuries then they would be really in trouble. Remember that Trott basically replaced Bopara because he was so poor in the first place

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 9:38 GMT)

With Bopara playing, it means England will have more Singhs than India !

Posted by simer553 on (August 6, 2011, 9:36 GMT)

Mr Miller - England cannot afford to carry passengers. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.......

Posted by DMCarr on (August 6, 2011, 9:31 GMT)

Terrible decision to recall Bopara ahead of improving young batsmen like James Taylor and Alex Hales. Bopara has failed in all of the Lions matches this year, whilst Taylor has played very well. Bopara does not seem to have the temprament to play well in tough situations or under pressure, as Taylor does regularly for Leicestershire and the Lions.

We need to either scrap the Lions games altogether, or start to play the players that impress in these games when opportunities arise. It is time to stop giving chances to player like Bopara who constantly let their countries down.

Posted by   on (August 6, 2011, 9:30 GMT)

what does Taylor have to do to get picked? He's better than Bopara and Morgan combined. Not sure it'll matter as we'll go with Cook, Strauss, Bell, KP, Morgan, Prior, Bres, Broad, Swann, Jimmy and either Finn or Tremlett anyway...

Posted by SamuelH on (August 6, 2011, 9:29 GMT)

Having said that, surely when Trott is fit he comes back into the side, so the next match becomes an interesting shoot-out of sorts between Morgan and Bopara. Morgan's failing to nail down that number six spot, without ever looking horribly out of nick. If Ravi comes in and gets a big hundred, is Morgan still the man in possession?

Posted by pom_don on (August 6, 2011, 9:22 GMT)

They won't do it but I would like to see Tremlett (or Finn if he is not 100%) & Bresnan in & have five bowlers rather than include Ravi.

Posted by davidpk on (August 6, 2011, 9:15 GMT)

trott out, i would go in with 5 bowlers .with tremlett coming back in. giving them a 5 man bowling attack leave bopara out. will it happen no. but the site of bowlers 6' 8" 6' 5" 6' 2" and then bresnan to follow on. # 3coming up. dpk

Posted by chandau on (August 6, 2011, 9:14 GMT)

Do ENGLAND have the courage to go 6/5 ? Dont bet on it. During the Sri Lanka series they had a chance to show aggression wiith some exciting declarations but opted to be more traditional. It will be the same as far as selection goes for the next test. They have the resources but not the courage , the Auzzy / WI kind of arrogance to mock at their opponent. despite the wins insecurity remains :) LOL

Posted by Dan-argent on (August 6, 2011, 9:14 GMT)

James Taylor would have been a better bet. He performed well for the Lions this week when under the micrfoscope, whereas Bopara did not, just as he did not earlier in the summer. This raises questions about his temperament.

Posted by george204 on (August 6, 2011, 9:14 GMT)

Although he didn't do much in the Lions match, Bopara probably earned another chance as his form this season has generally been very good. He also turned down the IPL in order to win back his place, so there's no doubts about his committment. Make it count, lad!

Posted by 200ondebut on (August 6, 2011, 9:11 GMT)

Well done Ravi. Hope you do well

Posted by ratedstfu44 on (August 6, 2011, 9:11 GMT)

why Morgan again??? Morgan is good against Spinners only.

Posted by Narkovian on (August 6, 2011, 9:10 GMT)

Re my earlier. Forget Bopara. ENG should play 5 bowlers. Preferably fast bowlers. As commentators frequently say... What would India NOT like to see most ? Answer : 5 fast bowlers.

Posted by simer553 on (August 6, 2011, 9:08 GMT)

Mr Miller - England can't afford to carry passengers.

Posted by SamuelH on (August 6, 2011, 9:08 GMT)

If you asked me who is more likely to be part of a successful England team in the future - Taylor or Bopara - I'd have to say the latter. Ravi just seems programmed to crumble under pressure at Test level, as much from himself I think; for the majority of his innings I've seen he's been unable to play with any of the freedom you see him play with for Essex. He's struggled with the pressure to make runs even for the Lions when he should be putting his hand up for selection! Having said that, even with Zaheer back, the Indian attack is not as strong as the Sri Lankan and Australian attacks that seemed to work him out before, and we saw against the Windies that he can boss a weak bowling side. I'd have gone with Taylor - he's spent most of his career playing under pressure in a weak first class Leicestershire batting line-up, and doesn't seem to struggle under the spotlight - but I hope Ravi can prove me wrong.

Posted by Yabba on (August 6, 2011, 9:02 GMT)

Feel sorry for Taylor. Bopara batting at 6 is a better option than Bopara at 3, which he was in the 2009 Ashes series. He scored a hatful of runs against the West Indies further down the order. This Indian attack isn't exactly threatening so he should make runs if selected. I just hope England play 5 bowlers and be really attacking to polish off this poor demoralised Indian side.

Posted by johnson49 on (August 6, 2011, 8:57 GMT)

I think Taylor deserved a go, he is only 21 and will obviously play for england in the future, so why not play him now?