Selection Of Plunkett Limits England's Options, Which Is A Sign Of Strength

Liam Plunkett has been selected to the England squad for the tour of Pakistan in place of the injured Simon Jones. After hearing the news the 20 year old is quoted in the Times as saying: "Even if I don't get to play in a Test match in Pakistan, I'll learn so much from being around such a quality group of players."

So even he recognises that he is unlikely to play in the Tests and it is possible that if the England team were stricken with injuries they would sooner draft in a player from outside the squad (as they did back in 1993 when Ian Salisbury was selected to play against India ahead of both squad members Tufnell and Emburey) than risk selecting the inexperienced Plunkett.

The squad is clearly divided into those who are likely to play and those who are only along to gain experience. World beating sides are made up of players who essentially select themselves and that the selectors feel able to pin England's hopes on as few as 13 or so players is an indication of how far the side has developed. Players such as James Kirtley, Jon Lewis and Ryan Sidebottom can now fully concentrate on domestic cricket.

The only consideration regarding the bowling will be whether to opt for an extra spinner in Udal or a seamer in either Tremlett (if fit) or Anderson. Incredibly, the only possible deliberations in the batting can be over Bell or Collingwood and the selection of the youthful Matt Prior to the squad (instead of the more experienced Read) means that the gloves will remain with Jones.

This means that no fewer than nine of the players pick themselves: Trescothick, Strauss, Vaughn, Pietersen, Flintoff, Jones, Giles, Hoggard and Harmison. That is a sign of strength.