Squad for 4th Test

[Dawsey]

Chris Adams has got a Test wicket as well!

 

[sten_super]

Is anyone else bothered by the fact Trott is South African and 28?

Certainly not bothered by the fact he is 28. Matty Hayden retired at what about 37? And came into the Test team about 27/28. So potentially (and no I'm not saying he's going to be anywhere near as good as Hayden) he could have the best part of ten years in the team.

And the South African (or more accurately, being 'foreign') question will come up again and again. And no, to be honest, it doesn't bother me. I'm not a great believer in patriotism, which I suppose is a major factor, but I would like to see the England team do well. If they need people not born in England in the team to do well, then so be it. But of course that is just me, and I appreciate that people will complain about it.

 

[Gwylan]

Is anyone else bothered by the fact Trott is South African and 28?

We've already got Strauss, Pietersen and Prior - the time to complain was when we let D'Oliveira be English. Since then we've had two Greigs, Lamb and two Smiths - it's too late to stop now.

So, no, I have no problem with it.

 

[keaton]

Is anyone else bothered by the fact Trott is South African and 28?

Joyce is 31 an Irish and i'd like him to play for England. We've not had an English wicketkeeper for about 8 years

 

[Danny-Boy]

In reality, although boring we only need a team good enough to draw the next 2 tests, not win them. Not that we will play for a draw. I dont see Broad being dropped as Strauss and Flower seem to really rate him in all their interviews when questioned about Broad

Maybe it is worth the risk of blooding Trott, I think only Brett Lee is really different to anything we get in the County Championship and he is prolific in that.

That must be tempting though, playing for the draws. Look at it this way:

Alternative 4th Test results:

England win: we have got the Ashes back.
We draw (or tie): The Aussies HAVE to win at the Oval to retain the Ashes
We Lose: The Aussies only have to draw at the Oval.

So do we really go for it, or play safe?