Just What The Doctor Ordered

The England team at test level has been a closed shop for too long. Changes in personnel were long overdue and after the embarrassing 1st test defeat there was no way anyone could argue differently. Bell, Panesar and Sidebottom were dropped and none of them can have too many complaints after recent performances.

Owais Shah replaced Bell in the batting line up and took his chance in the first innings by helping himself to a respectable half century. Although he played well, he will be kicking himself after throwing his wicket away with a needless run out. Centuries were there for the taking on the first two days. The omission of Bell also looks to have given Collingwood a bit of a wake up call as he batted well for his century. Competition for places is healthy but players should know their spot is not bullet proof.

Swann replacing Panesar is not too much of a surprise considering how Monty has stagnated in the past year or so. Swann offers much more in the batting and fielding departments and did not do too badly where the bowling was concerned on the recent India tour. The fast bowlers are a different proposition and a case could be made for or against each one of them. Because of his injury problems and lack of recent form Sidebottom is the obvious one to make way. You could easily choose any two from Harmison, Anderson and Sidebottom.

The team looks much stronger on paper for these changes and they look a different proposition from the sorry outfit of last week. The batting performance on the first two days was just what the doctor ordered. All they need now is some penetration from the bowling attack.

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