The absence of Andrew Strauss from England's test squad to tour Sri Lanka in December is the major talking point of what looks like a well balanced and talented group of players. Strauss made such an immediate impact when he made his entrance to test cricket against New Zealand at Lord's in 2004 that within 5 months, he became England's most reliable batsman and was a major factor in the 2-1 series defeat of South Africa that winter.
Strauss's great strength is a simple gameplan allied to an unflappable temperament and resolute mental toughness. These qualities have temporarily deserted him over the past year and can be attributed to a combination of excessive workload, poor umpiring decisions and some bad luck. His break from all forms of cricket is a sensible and obvious choice for a man who never gives less than 100% whether opening the batting against the best bowlers in the world or providing encouragement and leadership in the field. His time will come again.
The omission of Strauss provides an excellent opportunity for two talented young England players - Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara. Both have shown a cool head under pressure and no little skill in their England careers thus far, and with Graeme Swann relishing his return to international cricket providing a compelling option as England's second spinner whilst offering crucial runs in the lower middle order, the competition for places in the starting XI will be fierce.
Shah's deft touches against spin should see him make the side though whether he or Ian Bell will bat at No.6 will be an interesting decision. England's seam bowling looks particularly strong at the moment with Matthew Hoggard, Jimmy Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad vying for three places at most. Sidebottom in particular has the look of a real thoroughbred about him, bowling the ball exactly where he wants to at a good pace with enough movement to worry the best players. What a find he has been begging the question of how many more players there are in county cricket like him who are waiting for their chance whilst quietly producing the goods at county level?
Sri Lanka are a very tough side to beat at home but England have a squad which offers much in many different areas. The start of the series is some way off yet but on a surface offering spin, England's team should look something like this:
Vaughan
Cook
Bell
Pietersen
Collingwood
Shah
Prior
Swann
Sidebottom
Hoggard
Panesar
On a quicker wicket, Anderson or Broad may scrap it out for the 3rd seamer's slot.
As for Andrew Strauss, expect bigger and better things from him in 2008 - form is temporary but class is permanent.
Wello
