Smith can't rely on those who have already failed
The Cricket Paper|May 11,2018

Chris Stocks looks at the likely lads who can make their mark this summer as Test selection looms next week

Smith can't rely on those who have already failed

When England name their squad to face Pakistan in the first Test of the summer at Lord’s next Tuesday, it will give a big indication of the direction new national selector Ed Smith is aiming to take the team.

Change is surely coming following a winless winter that saw Joe Root’s men lose five of the seven Tests they played in Australia and New Zealand.

Nobody should be calling for a radical overhaul at this stage. But some changes are needed immediately and Smith, who has succeeded James Whitaker, should not be afraid to make them.

His new set-up is not yet complete, with The Cricket Paper understanding that the appointment of an independent selector to work alongside Smith and coach Trevor Bayliss will not be made until mid-summer. Former England coach Andy Flower is believed to be the frontrunner at this stage.

However, Smith, who will take a more analytical, data-driven approach to selection, cannot start his tenure by picking the same group of players who failed so miserably in the winter.

Many were unhappy with the former England and Middlesex batsman’s appointment, with the emphasis on the dreaded ‘data’ no doubt bringing back memories of Peter Moores’ shambolic reign as coach.

Smith, though, impressed England director of cricket Andrew Strauss enough to land the job and deserves a chance to show what he can do.

But any honeymoon period promises to be short-lived and it is important he gets off to a good start. England winning Test matches will help ensure that, but the personnel need to be right first.

Based on the winter and the start of this summer, it is looking increasingly difficult to pick either Mark Stoneman or James Vince.

Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin May 11,2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin May 11,2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE CRICKET PAPER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
The Cricket Paper

Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win

VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 04, 2020
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
The Cricket Paper

TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL

James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade

time-read
4 dak  |
October 04, 2020
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
The Cricket Paper

Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley

A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.

time-read
4 dak  |
October 04, 2020
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
The Cricket Paper

TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY

Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way

time-read
5 dak  |
October 04, 2020
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
The Cricket Paper

Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo

WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 04, 2020
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
The Cricket Paper

NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS

Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world

time-read
4 dak  |
October 04, 2020
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
The Cricket Paper

IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE

Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport

time-read
6 dak  |
October 04, 2020
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
The Cricket Paper

FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF

One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.

time-read
5 dak  |
October 04, 2020
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
The Cricket Paper

Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger

ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 04, 2020
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
The Cricket Paper

Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat

SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 27, 2020