England: Who can make it to the playing XI for Adelaide Test?

Cook looks on…

Cricket’s top-most level’s battle has started with a twist. First test of the Summer Ashes, down-under, went in the way of the hosts who won the match by 381 runs. This bad-tempered game was filled with a number of controversies which made the mood in the match even more intense. Starting with Australian-opener’s comments for English batsman Jonathan Trott and ending with skipper Michael Clarke sacrificing his 10% match fee for disobeying the code of conduct of ICC after he got involved in a heated argument with the opponent fast bowler James Anderson on the last of the match.

The South African-born has been struggling with the bat for a very long time now. Looking into the tour of England in India, he had two ducks and only one century, which is not convincing for a player like him. He managed an average of just 29.3 in England again which included two ducks. His bad formed continued in Australia too.

In both the innings Trotty got out to Mitchell Johnson’s short ball scoring ten and nine respectively. He has flown back to UK because of long-standing stress-related issues. His departure has left England in a great dilemma of choosing whom in his replacement. “There are no plans at present to call for a replacement for Trott, “Andy Flower, England’s coach said. “There are various options available.”

Jonny Bairstow:

He can be one of the options for Trott’s replacement. Joe Root would be Flower’s first choice for the No. 3 spot and Bairstow can support the present shaky English middle-order. The Yorkshire batman-wicketkeeper averages 30.22 in 12 matches scoring 544 runs. The numbers give a thumps-up sign for this young chap. But his place looks in doubt after going through his ashes debut earlier this year where he scored only 203 runs in seven innings.

Ben Stokes:

Former English captain Michael Vaughan has backed Stokes for getting a chance to make his debut in test cricket as departure of Trott has left a place vacant in the team. According to Vaughan, Ian Bell can bat at No. 3 and Stokes can take his place in the middle order. The New-Zealand-born all-rounder has played ten ODIs and scored 87 runs. His highest score against the Aussies is 27 and strike-rate more than 93. He stands a chance as well for becoming Trott’s replacement.

Gary Ballance:

Since Andy Flower has no plans of calling some player from England for the second test in the ongoing series against Australia, they have an option in Gary Ballance. But with the availability of Bairstow and Stokes who have some experience in International cricket, Ballance stands very less chance because Flower would avoid experimenting in such an extreme series. The bad position of England destroys his chance even more.

Monty Panesar:

According to former English paceman Steve Harmison, Panesar is a right option for England’s playing XI for the Adelaide test. “Since they need a wicket-taking bowler at present, Monty is the best option,” Harmison said.”And getting Stokes at No. 6 could give them flexibility.” He said.

Let’s see which English cricketer gets lucky for the second test match of Ashes 2013-14 which will commence on Dec. 5.