For England, the series win over West Indies offers just a temporary rejoice and appeasement, as the sternest test of the side remains later this year.
Joe Root might have begun his career with successive series triumphs, but now he is headed for a destination where previously England was mercilessly whitewashed. Personally as well, in that series Root had a forgettable outing, struggling against the chin music from Mitchell Johnson.
With barely days left for the squad to be named for the upcoming Ashes series, there are numerous spots up for the grabs. The middle-order batting duo of Dawid Malan and Tom Westley seem decent, but will they be able to last the testing shores of Australia?
According to former skipper and all time legend Ian Botham, England’s selection woes are far from over. The bowling great is of the view that even as of now, there are plenty of spots vacant in the team.
“Australia is not the place to wander down and learn quickly – you don’t, you’ve got to fight it out down there,” Botham said. “Batting-wise I think they will stay with the more experienced players and maybe the same with the bowlers, with possibly a couple of young players.”
Botham displayed the confidence in opener Mark Stoneman and backed the southpaw to make it to the flight.
Mark Stoneman. Image Courtesy: Getty Images
“I feel Mark Stoneman will go – he has been around a while, he is organised, and he knows his own game – while Tom Westley has done himself no harm after playing more positively. “There are two or three places up for grabs, and it will be interesting to see which way the selectors go.”
Krishna Chopra
A cricket enthusiast who has the passion to write for the sport. An ardent fan of the Indian Cricket Team. Strongly believe in following your passion and living in the present.
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