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On the eve of the second Test between England and the West Indies, I will look at which 11 players i believe will start the first Ashes test at Cardiff on July 8th.
1. Opening Batsman - Andrew Strauss (C)
"Skipper" will lead from the front this summer and after scoring tons in the 3rd and 5th tests on his way to compiling 393 runs at an average of just over 39. I fully expect him to be one of the leading run scorers in the series.
2. Opening Batsman - Alastair Cook
Debatable position this one. obviously in a perfect world the name pencilled in would be 'Banger' himself, Marcus Trescothick, but personal problems and stress related illness has led to his retirement from international cricket.
Alternatively I may have been inclined to place former captain Michael Vaughan at two being an experienced opener with both Strauss and Trescothick, however Geoff Miller the chairman of selector has made it quite clear that Vaughan is not part of England's future plans.
That in mind Alastair Cook, providing he can work on his technique as well as the mental aspect of him getting to 30 or 40 and then getting out to loose shots, as well as overcoming the nerves of a first home Ashes series (having had only moderate success during England's 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Aussies last time round), he has the potential to be very successful.
Number 3 - ?
As many fans of English cricket will know, this position has been under the spotlight in recent times with many players occupying the role and then seemingly relinquishing it to another.
Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Michael Vaughan, and Ravi Bopara have all had chances and it seems Bopara has made it his own. While I like Bell and Shah, they just don't seem to have anything individual to give other than underperformance and cocky arrogance respectively.
Vaughan as previously mentioned is out of favour, so that leaves Bopara. Bopara has all the makings of a great No. 3 batsman and his rugged confidence and joie de vivre makes him and exciting prospect for the England setup. His athleticism in the field and nagging medium pace bowler make him an asset to any team and hopefully he will prove this in July.
Number 4 - Kevin Pietersen
In recent series Pietersen's name would have been considered the first on the team sheet, but a lot has happened over the past 18 months to suggest otherwise. Stanford and his millions, the captaincy, and Peter Moores affair and his off field feuds with near enough everyone, has changed everyone's viewpoint about the man.
However I believe he has been treated poorly and rather than a thorn in the side he should be seen as a jewel in the crown of English cricket. After all wasn't it his brash arrogance and quirky haircut and earring that endeared him to English fans hearts and ultimately made him the enigma he is today.
Although I believe the right captain is in place (albeit by the wrong path) Pietersen has so much to offer and will be influential in England's triumph, or indeed their demise.
Number 5 - Paul Collingwood
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