Sunday, August 16, 2009

Jonathan Trott replaces Ravi Bopara for Oval Test

Jonathan Trott of Warwickshire is replacing Ravi Bopara in the fifth and final test to be played in Oval on Thursday. Trott is expected to play in middle order with his follow county man Ian Bell. Monty Panesar too might get a definite chance to pair with Graeme Swann.

England selectors were much convinced with the performances of Trott and Bell in the Warwickshire match against Nottinghamshire by scoring centuries. That means prospects of Mark Ramprakash and Robert Key playing the Oval Test is becoming null. It is understood Ashley Giles who played key role in their inclusion in to the team as he himself is the director of cricket for Warwickshire.

Another key thing for England is Andrew Flintoff right knee is improving and all set to play in Oval. He might come in place of Graham Onions. Onions have so far done well but lacking swinging deliveries like James Anderson.

England Squad for Oval Test:

1 Andrew Strauss (captain), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Ian Bell, 4 Paul Collingwood, 5 Jonathan Trott, 6 Matt Prior (wk), 7 Andrew Flintoff, 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steve Harmison, 12 Monty Panesar, 13 Graham Onions, 14 Ryan Sidebottom.