Who Does England Replace?

[Dhondy]

If Hoggard is fit? There will be a call for change. There will be a feeling that Hoggard's experience will be invaluable in a summer that has seen so much swing. Which of the three seamers will be dropped? It's fair to say that Tremlett has reserved his place with his second innings heroics. His figures are by far the best. Sidebottom seems to me to be a slightly unlucky bowler, much as our very own Srinath was. He'll beat the bat very often, but usually without tangible results. However, he seems to be a sentimental favourite with the English, who seem to lap up his hair waving histrionics. That leaves Jimmy Anderson vulnerable. He's a very silmilar bowler to Hoggard, and may be found redundant. Ironical, as he was by far the pick of the lot at Lords', but as I suspected, returned to his mediocre ways as soon as the sun came out. It would be a tragedy for the shoulder barger, because he is in the best form of his life. He can also be a dangerous bowler when the conditions are right, much more so than Sidebottom. Personally, I'd drop the latter, but think the English selectors would demur.

[CC1981]

Monty. If i were planning on taking on India, i'd not put a spinner on the list unless : a) the pitch was minefield b) I cannot find 4 pacers of decent quality c) His name was Murali.

[Dhondy]

You are now officially mad, CC.:tounge_smile: The Oval is a spinner's pitch, and Monty is a very good bowler. Ain't happening.

[Gambit]

Given the fact that the test is at England's friendliest ground for spinners, there is no way is England going to drop Monty. I think they will play 5 bowlers and drop Bell.

[Cricketics]

Monty. .

why wou ld u replace monty.?????? hmmm?????????? forget oval being lucky or succesful for spinners.. tell me, why would u wanna drop the best bowler of england currently???

[Cricketics]

Given the fact that the test is at England's friendliest ground for spinners' date=' there is no way is England going to drop Monty. I think they will play 5 bowlers and drop Bell.[/quote'] i don't think bell would be dropped.. eng won't rush hoggy... they will retain perhapz the same team.. if by chance they replace anyone, then they would replace bowler for bowler and batsman for batsman.. following same combo 6-1-4

[kabira]

> The Oval is a spinner's pitch, and Monty is a very good bowler. expect english groundsman to work overtime and produce quick and bouncy pitch.

[coffee_rules]

I think Monty is less likely to take any top order wicket against India, will only be effective against tail-enders. So, Monty would be asked to sit out for Hoggard. Meanwhile Anderson was very good in Lords, okayish here. For India's sake, I hope they drop Monty :)

[yoda]

no changes pls. we like this bowling.

[Predator_05]

I don't know if he will be back by then. Back spasms are no laughing matter and i'd be surprised if he has recovered fully in a week's time. Obviously Anderson will be the one who makes way, but if it were up to me - i'd stick with him and drop Tremlett instead.

[talksport]

If monty is not playing there will be a (n)power shortage

[Donny]

No contest. If Hoggard is fit, Anderson will make way.

[The Outsider]

They are going to go unchanged, no doubts about it. They are also going to grovel to an innings defeat.

[King]

I guess Anderson will make way for Hoggard. That will be one harsh decision but Anderson didn't really bowl that well in this test match. He bowled few good ones just like the rest of the bowlers but consistency was lacking. If I were England I will make no changes. Hoggard's fitness is still a question mark and he is coming back after a bit of lay off. I reckon he will first have to train a bit before he should be played in the test match.

[chanakya]

sidebottom twisted his ankle. Will he be fit for the test?

[Anakin]

They'll lose anyway, so why bother with their team