Though dropped, Schofield has a role to play in future

Even though dropped from this winter's Test and One day squads, Lancastrian Chris Schofield is still very much in England's long term plans, assured Chairman of Selectors David Graveney at a Lord's press conference on Sunday. A sixteen member Test team and a fourteen member one day team was announced.

Surrrey leg spinner Ian Salisbury has replaced Schofield.``Chris Schofield is a very talented cricketer. But it is the belief of the selectors that he is not quite ready yet and will benefit from the Busta Cup in the West Indies England A's planned destination this winter - which of course at the moment is still provisional,'' said Graveney on being questioned the reason behind the selection.

Schofield is one of the 12 players given a central contract by the ECB before the current season. But Graveney added that by giving a central contract it was pointed out that the selection of Test team would not be merely from those 12.

``Schofield will still have a big part to play in international cricket. There is very little cricket to be played on these tours outside Test cricket, and we did not think it would be a great benefit to be in the background rather than playing.'' said Graveney.

Graveney also took the opportunity to explain the inclusion of Salisbury, saying his mental strength has improved this year in terms of bowling and that his figures had been very consistent.