Read shocked at omission from one-day squad

Chris Read has reacted with shock and anger at his omission from England's one-day squad for the NatWest Series. Speaking to BBC Sport, Read, who was replaced by Geraint Jones in the line-up, said: "I'm really surprised and disappointed. I find it difficult to comprehend. If Geraint was going to bat in the top five I'd understand it but there are other batsmen in the top five."

David Graveney, England's chairman of selectors, termed the decision to drop Read "one of the hardest that I have been a party to in my nine years as a member of the panel", but that did little to cheer Read. "David made it clear it was a tough decision but that doesn't help," Read said. "It makes me a little angry. In the last 12 months I've helped England win several games and I've always been consistent. It's a bitter pill to swallow."

Jones, who had earlier replaced Read in the Test squad as well, was selected because his superior batting skills, but Read has performed more than adequately with the bat in the one-dayers, scoring a crucial 15-ball 27 at Georgetown to steal a win against West Indies on England's recent tour. Read's wicketkeeping has been outstanding as well, making the decision all the more inexplicable.

Read stated as much, saying that he understood the reason for his omission from the Test side. "When I was dropped from the Test team I thought it was a bit harsh but I was not doing what I needed to with the bat," he said. "But in the one-day side I believe I've done everything I can and it seems it's not enough."