The Next England Test Side

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Where Do England Go From Here?

How quickly things can change in the world of sport has been displayed with the England Cricket Test sides complete reversal of form this winter. Andy Flower has stepped down and KP has been omitted and the general mood at the moment is very negative, but we tend to think that exciting times are ahead and the cupboard is far from bare.

Here is our view on our Test Side going forward in batting order;

1) Alastair Cook (Captain) - Alastair Cook has to be the first name on the list. His test record for a 29 year old in unsurpasssed, an even though he has had a rough run of form 'class is permenant' as they say. We would also keep Cook on as captain in the hope that he will be better for the experience of having tasted tough times this winter.

2) Varun Chopra - Varun Chopra certainly deserves a go at the highest level, and his record since moving to Warwickshire has been outstanding. He has a great temperament and technique, can bat for a long period of time, and we think he would compliment Cook with being a right hander.

3) Joe Root - Joe Root has batted in a number of different positions during his short test career so far, but we see him as the perfect replacement for Jonathan Trott at number 3. He can bat for a long period of time and is certainly a player that England need to persist with in a consistant batting position.

4) Ian Bell - Ian Bell along with Alastair Cook is now England's most experienced Test match cricketer. Number 4 would suit Ian Bell's style of play and hopefully not expose him to the new ball. A great player who's best could still be to come.

5) Eoin Morgan - A really talented cricketer who should be given another chance at Test level after a good one day series in Australia. England will need a positive stroke player who can play spin well in the middle order and in our view Eoin Morgan fits this role perfectly.

6) Moeen Ali - This may be a slightly controversial selection, but on the back of his form with the bat, his ability against spin, and his ever improving off spin bowling, Moeen Ali could prove to be a real asset to the test side. James Taylor or James Vince would be good alternative options but Moeen Ali is more of an all round cricketer.

7) Matt Prior - Matt Prior with his experience has to come back into the side. Only 18 months ago he would have been one of the first names on the team sheet and was considered by many to be the best keeper/batsman in the world. He is only a couple of knocks from regaining this form and his experience will be invaluable to marshall the lower order.

8) Ben Stokes - Ben Stokes could easily bat higher in the order as his test hundred proves, but we would use him as the 3rd seamer and have him as a destructive player to come in down the order and add some ballast to the mid to lower order.

9) Stuart Broad - Broad is now one of England's most experienced seam bowlers and must be given the new ball. He was one of the few players to have a good series in the Ashes debacle and cam also add some useful lower order runs. Stuart Broad would also be our vice captain.

10) Graham Onions/Simon Kerrigan - The conditions would dictate who gets the nod here. Graham Onions should have been on the Ashes tour and in English conditions in particular as his record proves is very useful. We still think that Simon Kerrigan is the best spinner in the country at the moment, and although his test debut was far from convincing with a bit of support and confidence could prove to be a match winner going forward.

11) James Anderson - Jimmy was another player to struggle in Australia this winter, but with over 300 test wickets, a wealth of experience and the ability to move the new and old ball around he would be the leader of our attack.

Some other players we have considered are Ollie Rayner, Sam Robson, Kyle Hogg, Michael Carberry, Nick Compton, Scott Borthwick and Jos Buttler plus a variety of other up and coming players. The future is exciting for the Test side and with the structure we have in place we will become a force again in the not too distant future.