[Ian J]

He seems to have made two major changes to the England team so far and both have been highly succesful. I must admit that I thought it a little unfair to dump Paul Nixon from the wicketkeepers berth as he had done a good job but Matt Prior in his first two tests seem to provide everything that Duncan Fletcher was looking for in a number seven but couldn't seem to find - a capable wicket keeper who could also score runs at Test level.

When Hoggy was injured during the first Test the media speculated on his replacement with Jimmy Anderson, Sajid Mahmood and Graham Onions being the names that all of the pundits were bandying about yet Peter Moores called up Ryan Sidebottom who featured in no-ones prematch speculation and what a revelation he proved to be as he was far and away the best bowler on view from either side.

Let's hope that his selections of Andy Flower and Allan Donald to the coaching team are equally inspired.

[la gran siete]

Originally Posted by Ian J

He seems to have made two major changes to the England team so far and both have been highly succesful. I must admit that I thought it a little unfair to dump Paul Nixon from the wicketkeepers berth as he had done a good job but Matt Prior in his first two tests seem to provide everything that Duncan Fletcher was looking for in a number seven but couldn't seem to find - a capable wicket keeper who could also score runs at Test level.

When Hoggy was injured during the first Test the media speculated on his replacement with Jimmy Anderson, Sajid Mahmood and Graham Onions being the names that all of the pundits were bandying about yet Peter Moores called up Ryan Sidebottom who featured in no-ones prematch speculation and what a revelation he proved to be as he was far and away the best bowler on view from either side.

Let's hope that his selections of Andy Flower and Allan Donald to the coaching team are equally inspired.

Things are looking on the up once more.Ryan is a good left arm swinger who must of worked hard on his game because he was when he got his first cap

[Speedoguy]

Yep I have been eating large portions of the so called "Humble Pie" in respect to Ryan Sidebottoms place in the team - he certainly made the most of the conditions and fair play to him for doing that.

Although I think this must rank as one if not the worst touring West Indian sides for many a year to come visiting our shores.What with Laras retirment and now Sarwans injury to rule him out of the last match and the forthcoming ones it doesn't look good for them (Not to mention they must be bloody freezing I know I am! ).

[domtheone]

Originally Posted by la gran siete

Things are looking on the up once more.Ryan is a good left arm swinger who must of worked hard on his game because he was when he got his first cap

Didn't see the first game so can't realy comment on his performance.

Done the business for Notts the last few years though and he's looked pretty usefull whenever I went down to TB to watch.

WI are terrible though so musn't get carried away.

[Ian J]

Another interesting change in the Peter Moores regime is that most of the squad have been released to play for their counties this week in at least one of the FP games.

Duncan Fletcher used to mothball his players if they weren't playing for England which wan't necessarily a good thing. James Anderson was a good example as if he was surplus to requirements he would be retained as drinks waiter whereas Peter Moores has despatched him back to his county to play cricket if not used by England.

Harmison and Plunkett will both be turning out for Durham on Friday (if it ever stops raining) as it must be obvious to everyone that they need more overs under their belts. Collingwood will be playing on Sunday against Yorkshire who will have Michael Vaughan in their team.

Ironically on one of the few occasions last year that Duncan released a player was in Summer when he asked that Liam Plunkett bat at 6 for Durham as he needed batting practice. Plunkett didn't get the practice as he was injured whilst bowling and was out for the rest of the summer.

[Toon-man]

Still waiting for Harmy to really bowl fast , I know it was cold in Yorkie land but he should be getting 6 fors, 7 fors against that WI team....
Going to the Yorkie match on Sunday ....IJ, 10/ 45 am start`s a bit early ????

[Ian J]

I'm born and bred in Surrey / Sussex and live in the Midlands but still support Durham as I was living in the North East when they became a first class county and just got caught up in all the razzamataz.

I don't get up to Chester le Street very often but can catch them at away games as I'm pretty central to quite a few grounds where I live.