WATCHING the latest England performance was akin to watching paint dry - they lost it, and were only saved in the first game by an innings from a bowler, Alex Tudor.
Where is the fire and aggression and, most of all, consistency, all of which are required to compete with the other big cricket nations?
They took a chance, and blooded new cricketers Aftab Habib, Chris Read and Tudor, all appeared adequate.
There is the question - do you pick a team to win regardless of age, or take the chance with the young ones? They will mature with time. Meanwhile, stick with the men we know have seen, done it, and competed with the best.
The likes of Michael Atherton, hopefully recovered from back trouble, must be brought back.
If we must have a young one, recall Andrew Flintoff. He will come good, being a fast scoring batsman, an excellent fielder and a more than useful bowler.
K SOWERBUTTS, Southwood Drive, Baxenden.
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