Geraint Jones faces tough questions
Even though England are back on the winning track, two players are under the spotlight
Martin Williamson
25-Feb-2013
 | ||
|
| ||
|
|
 |
In today’s Times, Richard Hobson flags the failings of the England wicketkeeper, with his batting under scrutiny.
“Usually the batting of a wicketkeeper is scrutinised only when the top order fails. This time Geraint Jones is facing renewed questions because of the domino effect brought about by his dismissal. He is widely considered undroppable under Fletcher, but even so the cushion provided when Giles returns will feel very comfortable.”
Former Ashes-winning England keeper Jack Richards has no doubts.
"Is he there as a batsman or keeper? He doesn't appear to be there as a keeper because he's spilling too many chances. If it doesn't improve, then you can always say, 'Jones can come [back] in because we're happy for him to miss one an innings or one a game'."
And Jim Parks, who kept for Sussex and England in the 1960s, said that as long as batting is the criteria for picking the wicketkeeper, Jones is safe ... but not necessarily rightly.
"Read is the best keeper in the country but it's difficult for him because Jones has established himself - once you do that it's very difficult to lose your position. I think you should pick the best keeper because you can't afford to miss chances but if there are two who are on a par as keepers you chose the batter."
Martin Williamson is executive editor of ESPNcricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa