The problem for Rashid is that just as Panesar was falling out of favour Swann came into the side and played well. Opportunities to play two spinners in this country are few and far between so he'll have to wait for Swann to either get injured or lose form before he gets an opportunity.

The whole issue with Broad is going to cause the England selectors some sleepless nights. Is he effective enough with the ball to bowl in a 3 seamer attack so you can play six specialist batters? Or if you're picking him for the runs he can get at 7, do you need 3 other seamers and a spinner?

Maybe Bopara could be encouraged to do some more work on his bowling to make him into a fourth seamer and to bat at 6? Bring someone like Michael Carberry (another good knock today) in to bat at 3.

I suppose the other thing the selectors may be hoping for is that both Rashid and Broad continue their development. That way, you'll end up with 2 bowlers who are both useful batsmen. Maybe not good enough to be classed as all-rounders in their own right, but combining their runs leaves you with enough to cover for that. Five specialist batsmen, a run-scoring wicket-keeper, 2 decent enough scoring bowlers and three front line bowlers.

That sounds plausible although like Andy said Rashid has to try and get himself ahead of Swann and Monty.

Very true.

When are we next touring the sub-continent by the way? We could end up going there with Broad, Swann and Rashid at 7,8 and 9. Now that would give us some depth to the batting.

If Rashid ends up batting for England at 9 it will represent a major failure in his development. He has vastly more potential as a batsman than Broad or Swann. If he had played purely as a batsman he would probably now be at 4 in the Yorkshire order.

just worry about batting for 2 innings if you can

Trott in for Bopara according to the Beeb http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8201312.stm

Trott in for Bopara according to the Beeb http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8201312.stm

Good old England, relying on another South African. Have we got any of our own players ready to take the breach anymore?

The predictable selection really.

I'd have turfed out Bell for any of the other candidates to be honest, but the selectors would then have to admit that they shouldn't have brought him back in the first place, so they have to show some faith in their selection.

Trott in for Bopara, Bell to number 3 and Flintoff in for Harmison for me, there is talk of two spinners, but how Panesar's selection can be justified is beyond me, he is in shocking form this season.

I would only ever play Panesar on a fast, bouncy, turner - which sometimes can be found at the oval.