Back To The Future

So, after the calamity at Headingley last week all eyes turn onto the Oval for the decider in the 2009 Ashes series. After some pretty piss poor efforts ((C) The 12th Man) with the bat it's Panic Time in the ranks of the media and the public.

The figures weren't pretty.

Bopara 1 & 0 (Although, granted he got a shocker in the 2nd innings)
Bell 8 & 3
Collingwood 0 & 4

So they decide to throw some of these boys back into Country Cricket for the lastest round and Bell and Bopara have scored a grand total of 2 runs between them. Jonathon Trott, touted to replace His Fredness before the last test only got 15 in his knock so far.

Owais Shah who was dumped by England earlier in the year hasn't impressed to far this year and he only contributed 8 in his latest knock.

Now Graham Gooch has lept to the defence of Bopara and has questioned why the captain Andrew Strauss isn't in the Middlesex team as they host Bopara's Essex. Strauss contributed 3 & 32 at Headingley and it wouldn't have done him any harm to have a run in this weekend.

So the knives are out and it's time for the big cull if you believe half of the media. The only problem is would seem that Doc Emmett is going to be needed as England seem to be stepping back in time to club a team together to wrestle the urn away from the Criminals.

Funnily enough. the DeLorean was last seen on Wheldon Road in Castleford heading towards Headingley for the Super League clash that is taking place this friday night.


Anyway I digress

So who is in the frame then........

Rob Key - He's dreaming of an Ashes recall. He hasn't played for England since 2005.

Mark Ramprakash - He'd be thrilled to be a part of it. For god's sake he's 40 in September, has won a dancing competition on the telly and hasn't been in the test arena since 2002.


Marcus Trescothick - Hasn't played for England since doing a runner from the 06/07 Ashes Series in Australia because of a stress related illness. Gotta admit though, this guy is the form horse if he can overcome his demons. He's had 5 centuries in the County Championship so far this season, the last at late as last week against Warwickshire.

Owais Shah - No chance I'm afraid. This bridge has been burned and I can't see the selectors going back there that quickly

Johnathon Trott - Well, they wouldn't chuck him in at Headingley do you really think they'll throw him in at the Oval?

Still, we'll no doubt find out at the weekend when the squad in announced in what is a must win game for England, otherwise that urn will be with Ricky Ponting when he returns to Australia after the game at the Oval.

Also there is the shadow of Brett Lee looming for the Criminals as well as he has recovered from an injury that has hampered his tour so far.