Posts tagged with ‘Jonathan Trott’

Jonathan Trott has played for England, but he is a South African. So why is so much fuss being made of Michael Vaughan’s comments about him celebrating a South African victory?

It’s Central Contract Awards time, and the big “news” is that Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar have missed out altogether. Actually, this shouldn’t be much of a surprise – Harmison has been quoted as saying that he is unsure whether he will tour South Africa this winter and definitely won’t tour Australia the following winter. Panesar’s fall from grace seems to be complete – Adil Rashid has an incremental contract and must be favourite to travel as the 2nd spinner this winter. Between them they only played 3 Tests this summer.

If I had a pound for every time I’ve heard the phrase “an Ashes series is no time to try new players” I’d be following the cricket from a small island in the Pacific somewhere. Why is it that all-England (by which I mean our media, who speak the words that we don’t have the wit to think of for ourselves) are so convinced of this?

So, the knee has finally hoisted the white flag and said enough is enough. Flintoff has not recovered in time for the Headingley Test, which starts this morning, and a nation will doubtless be in morning, whilst another one quietly starts to fancy it’s chances with the news that Matt Prior may be out with an injury.

The news is that Ryan Sidebottom has been recalled to the squad, and that Jonathan Trott has been included as batting cover for Flintoff, should his knees decide that they’d much prefer to stay at home than spend five days at Headingley.

With only four championship matches in May, this months selection naturally focuses mostly on performances in the limited overs matches.