Tests (3), ODIs (5) and T20 (2) versus Pakistan at UAE and CWC 2015. (Edited to add there is a 2 test, 3 ODI home series here versus Sri Lanka in Dec/Jan) That's it for international cricket for our team until England Tour next year. So an opportunity in UAE to finalise the squad for the CWC.
At first glance there seems to be a lot of players to choose from for all forms but on closer inspection the last year sees most places in both teams nailed in place for a good long time to come. I have one surprise in both teams, the rest pretty much pick themselves these days.
Starting with the test team.
Cementing his place in the top is young Tom Latham.
Rudderless by and large since his debut, I'd still keep him in the team as I feel his partnership with Fulton wasn't working and this gives he and Latham time to build a relationship on and off the wicket and results will come.
Nuff said - Locked in bigtime for a long time.
Superb selection I must say.
Captain Courageous, hopefully he has had a good break to refresh the body.
Thought this could be a tough call for 6, but Anderson is missing with the bat and The Neesh has been frankly quite good with it. I don't expect him to bowl much but could be useful for a few resting overs for the quicks.
Woohoo!! He's Back (well in my team anyway) It seems his season in England has seen a change of behaviour and the results are showing on the field, with bat and ball and in all forms. I've slotted him into the allrounders slot as it seems Jesse can bowl for long periods AND take wickets. Asset - you bet.
Writes himself a long stay ticket as all facets of his game in all forms improves.
Yup!!
Craig gets in the team as The Spinner ahead of any pretenders. Will play all games in UAE unless seamer track so misses out to Wagner (with Kano's straight arm offering part time spin).
Yup again. Bowling twinship with Southee world class.
Batting Reserve
Interesting call this. The reason I have him there is so he covers Jesse or Neesh's role as a batsman in the batting order and if any of the top five falter, bring Anderson in for Jesse and move Jesse to any of those top five positions. I think it could work well.
Bowling Resereve
Covered by Anderson too, but Ish gets the nod also if two spinners required (Neesham goes, Jesse moves to 6, Watling to 7, Craig to 9 and Ish to 11.
The ODI squad is a bit more trickier but this series might be an experiment to get the team balance right for CWC 2015. These are my thoughts.
Latham
Anton Devcich gets in as a pinch hitting opener. Also provides a left hander right hander combination to kickstart the innings.
Big call but for me captain this series. Mainly because I think McCullum's performances in ODI's is slipping away and we can't carry deadwood into a world cup.
Taylor again.
Jesse slots in Brendons slot, adds an extra bowling option. Could also be utilised as a pinch hitter anywhere up the order if needed and in form.
What about it!! They're my picks. Ok why Colin Munro? Well Neesh is gone and Munro is an ODI specialist. And continues that lefty lineup.
Anderson slots into his favoured all rounder slot. Hope he fires again (if he gets the chance?)
Sorry Luke (Ronchi) but I'm rocking the boat and saying BJ stays in both forms. Down to his superior glovework and his ability to score runs at run a ball and not give up his wicket too easily ergo holding the lower order together.
Nathan calls this one simply - I'm the better at this form.
Inswinging yorkers - gotta just love the man.
Not expecting too much out of the big lefty too early and on sub continent decks he won't find any help, but needs to be match fit on the seaming wickets of home come CWC.
There you have it. How about your selections? Do you agree or disagree with mine?
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