Pietersen Acknowledged But What About The Rest ?

I must emphasize that despite my continuous insistence on the selection of Graham Thorpe in the English squad for the Ashes, I never seriously dismissed Pietersen's talent and rightful claim to a place in the side. True, were it a clear-cut binary decision I would have opted for Thorpe in place of Pietersen and I still stand by it. But I was more than happy to go with a combination that could somehow fit in both - I emphatically supported Shane Warne's theory of playing without Simon Jones for instance (though Jones has done well, in hindsight) and despite the promise young Ian Bell shows I was not averse to the idea of making him sit out to accomodate both Thorpey and Pietersen either.

Pietersen has delivered. In the most trying circumstances, he scored a very creditable 55 and is currently valiantly holding up the last shreds of resistance. Pietersen has justified his selection but not the exclusion of Graham Thorpe. People might argue that it was Pietersen's knock in the first innings that kept England in the hunt at least until Day 2. No question but I argue that a combination of Pietersen and Thorpe would have given England a realistic chance of taking a lead and then who knows how the momentum might have changed. Ian Bell has clearly done nothing in this game and while it may sound real harsh on the youngster to judge him on a sole performance, unfortunately the first Test of an Ashes really is no place to allow people to find their feet.

It is unfair to single out Bell - Trescothick is always a suspect especially at the start of an Ashes series. Much was expected of Strauss - while he may still come good, it could prove too late against the Aussies. After all Strauss' USP was to score big at the start of the series to set the tone which he did in SOuth Africa and at home last season - he has not been able to deliver that on the big occasion. Vaughan is a man for crisis situations - but again if the flow continues this way the series could well be lost before it is realized. Flintoff looks totally out of sorts too.

When the English top-order is firing, Thorpe can be a bit of a luxury; but in a situation like this he would have been absolutely invaluable. I still think he should have a quiet chat with the selectors about their plans for the second Test - things could still be salvaged - any further delay in taking action and the Ashes can be bid goodbye for another 2 years at least ...