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As Benjamin Franklin never said, there are three certainties in life; death, taxes and a hundred for Mark Ramprakash in county cricket.

His unbeaten 102 against Lancashire yesterday makes it 98 and counting for Surrey's ridiculously prolific run-getter. But even if he reached three figures in every game this season, declared his hatred for the IPL and taught Peter Moores how to dance, Ramprakash won't be called up for the first Test against New Zealand. He's perhaps the best batsman in the country, but that doesn't mean a thing in the peculiar minds of the selection panel.

Ramprakash was actually dropped on nought off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff, who made a welcome return to action. He delivered 10-and-a-half miserly overs and snared the wicket of Scott Newman. There was no sign of any injury (nor a pedalo) and there's no doubt a fit Freddie will be fast-tracked into the Test side. But is it too early?

Another Ashes hero Simon Jones captured a wicket with the sixth ball of his championship debut for Worcestershire in three lively overs. The unlucky Owais Shah proved once again he could bat as well as carry a drinks tray with 116 while Robert Key made 79 in a scene of carnage at Canterbury. All in all, it was a great opening day in the freezing cold for some of England's finest.

Send in your views to our regular cricket blog using the boxes below. Should Ramprakash earn one final swansong? Should Flintoff be picked - if fit? Must the selectors move on from The Ashes 2005 and ignore Jones?

Comments

[sports]

There is no need of Ramprakash today for England. Many good player is now in England team.

[Ad]

Ramps has had too many chances for England. He's nearly 40! Give up on him. If he was good enough he would've done well previously in Test Matches. He ain't.

[Jimmy, Hereford]

Of course Ramprakash shouldn't be recalled. He had his chance and blew it - loser. It's all very well plundering county attacks, but he's proved he's not up to it in Tests.