Nelson's Column: Wright move
So Phil Mustard has been shunned by England for the Twenty20 and five one-dayers against New Zealand.
His absence from the squad has been criticised by those who see the Durham wicketkeeper/batsman as an England version of Adam Gilchrist.
But let's look on the bright side. The door is now open for Luke Wright to establish himself as the destructive top-order batsman that England have lacked since Marcus Trescothick's withdrawal from international cricket.
At 23, the Sussex all-rounder is one of the brightest rising stars on the circuit. He scored a half-century on his one-day debut against India in September, and bowled an excellent final over that earned England a tie in New Zealand earlier this year.
Mustard, along with Matt Prior, have failed to take their chance with England so far, and the selectors are spot-on in putting their faith in Wright.
And their decision to stick with Tim Ambrose is a sign that, at last, they are trying to achieve some sort of continuity.
What do you think? Is Wright the man to give England the boost they need in the top order? Or were the selectors wrong to leave out Mustard? Have your say in the boxes below.
I dont like cricket but i thought i would justify this blog with a comment.
MANU4QUADRUPLEno.1
Posted by: gaz lovatt | 02 June 2008 at 21:41