Prince of Denmark wrote:
Given the inherent conservatism of the selectors I'd be surprised to see two changes to the top 6 from the Pakistan series, despite Bell's loss of form. What worries me is that we seem to be considering Bopara even though he's sufficiently hampered by injury to be unable to bowl. If he was an established player of proven Test quality it might be more understandable, but he isn't, and surely there's a risk he may not be capable of giving 100% physically while batting and fielding in debilitating heat and humidity? I get the feeling Patel is finally beginning to make the right impression with Flower and will be the best bet.
If we do go with Patel at 5 and Prior at 6 the extra bowler has to be Bresnan, otherwise the tail is just too weak. We can't have five bowlers if three of them are Anderson, Panesar & Finn.
You're right, a fifth bowler would need to be either Bresnan or Patel, meaning that Broad and Swann continue at 8 and 9 (players like Anderson, Panesar, Finn and Tremlett will only ever be competing for 2 places in the team, even when we only play 4 bowlers).
Just depends on whether they want an extra seamer or spinner. I think they will need to get an extra bowler in though. The fact that Bopara can't bowl could be a blessing, because I think we'll need more than just a handful of overs a day from a 5th bowler.
