Dear Mr Fletcher Pt II..............

So the Pakistan series is effectively over. The 4th test won't really count for much so I thought I would revisit my post http://hitchinfamily.blogspot.com/2006/06/dear-mr-fletcher.html from before the Pakistan series started. I have been proved wrong on several points! (I was right on a few as well.....)

I think the biggest difference from the Sri Lanka series has been having Harmison back in the squad who bowled really well. It gives the other bowlers more confidence and the whole team knows there is a good chance of bowling out the opposition.

1. Batsmen

It seems like Cook (avg 56) and Bell (71.4) have come good in this series and scored runs with Bell coming out on top looking more consistent. Infact all the batsmen keep good averages for the series apart for Trescothick (25) and the team as a whole didnt post any low innings scores for the series. Great confidence boost for the ashes. There are some questions as to how Flintoff will fit back in the squad (i'm assuming Vaughan will still be injured), i.e. who makes place for him? I don't think there is any question of him getting his place back, it would be a brave man to leave him out! I would say the definate inclusions are Trescothick, Strauss, Pieterson and Flintoff. That leaves Bell, Cook and Collingwood fighting for two places. I still believe Collingwood fits in really well between Flintoff and Pieterson to keep things level headed when the man on the otherside is trying to hit Warne into the carpark. I've already said that Bell gets the nod over Cook. The problems come if Vaughan is fit. If he is fit then I think his inculsion is almost guaranteed (considering he captained the winning ashes team last summer). That would leave a choice between Bell and Collingwood (unless Trescothick comes into the equation........)

2. Wicket Keeper

It seems like the selectors have run out of patience will Geriant Jones. Read probably did enough in the third test to start ahead of Jones for the ashes. I dont think many people will be too upset by this?

3. Bowling

Like I said earlier, having Harmison back has really improved things. He took 16 wickets and his run rate was 3.44 for the three tests. The revelation of the series is of course Panesar. 16 wickets and an average run rate of 2.75 (by my calculations). Im afraid this could be the nail in the coffin of Giles career, mainly cause Giles may be economical and a good lower order batsman but he just dosent take that many wickets. Not sure how well Panesar will handle the aussies though. But, its not like the Pakistan batting side isnt any good. They have some excellent guys in the team. If Panesar can keep his confidence up and ignores the comments about his mother from McGrath I think he could do well. Mahmood also look to be improving and a good backup to Hoggard and Harmison. He was bowling fast and accurate and would do well to develop like Harmison has over the past few years. Apart from the spinner, not much choice (Jones looks like definateley out) for the team make up. The only other inclusion is of course Flintoff.

4. Captain

I still stand by my view that Flintoff should not be captain and it seems like Mr Fletcher is heading to that view as well if you believe the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4779293.stm Strauss has done well this series, he was a bit defensive at times but in the absence of Vaughan I think he is the best choice.

So here is my fist eleven for the ashes (assuming Vaughan and Jones are sitll injured)

Trescothick
Strauss (C)
Bell
Pieterson
Collingwood
Flintoff
Read (W)
Mahmood
Hoggard
Harmison
Panesar

This would not be a bad side against the aussies. Balanced batting & bowling with Flintoff as the "pivot" point. If the new guys in the team can step up to the challange, follow Pietersons lead and not be intimidated by the aussies I think that they have a chance.