England Still Searching For Jones' Replacement

Perfection is a destination, imperfection is the never-ending journey. The English selectors may well ponder this statement as they assemble the team for the final Test against Pakistan.

The team that played the first four Tests of the Ashes series was perfectly balanced. This balance was lost following the injury to Simon Jones and has not yet been regained. The lack of depth in the England squad has been exposed.

It now appears that Udal will be dropped for the final Test in favour of an extra seam bowler. England need a bowler who can take wickets with the old ball. Simon Jones did this against Australia with reverse swing and so replacing him with a spinner made sense, especially in Pakistan. The fact that the performance of both spin bowlers on this tour has been disappointing doesn't make their selection wrong. Selectors can only pick the best team from the squad available; it is up to the players to perform well.

The probable selection of James Anderson makes no sense, as England already have a decent new ball attack. If Giles is fit I would make no changes in the bowling department. If Giles is injured I'd bring in Liam Plunkett instead of James Anderson, as I would select a man for the future instead of a player who has failed in the past.