England have named a squad of 14 players for the 3rd test of Old Trafford as follows:
Cook (c) Anderson Bairstow Bell Bresnan Broad Panesar Pietersen Prior Root Swann Taylor Tremlett Trott
Steven Finn has been left out and is replaced by Chris Tremlett. Kevin Pietersen looks like being given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
Panesar’s inclusion is interesting and given that 11 of Australia’s 20 wickets were taken by spinners at Lords does anyone else think the pitch is going to be an fashioned “bunsen” at Old Trafford?
1 August can not come quickly enough!
It will be interesting about Taylor. Yes, he’s 60 odd not out against the team in Hove, but by all accounts it was a scratchy innings at best.
You’re right about Panesar, he out bowled both Australian spinners on a flat track. I think his chances of getting in are slim though as the England management tend to be risk averse, so my guess is that they’ll bat deep to try to ensure at least a draw and retain the Ashes.