I hope selectors’ bravery is rewarded

THERE hasn’t been an Ashes squad selection in my lifetime which hasn’t been scrutinised to death by the media and cricket followers – and I’ve no doubt the one named yesterday will be exactly the same.

One thing is for certain, it’s a brave call by the selectors. To take three debutants in any touring party is a big decision, but even more so when it’s for an Ashes trip.

The pressure you get put under out there is different to any you face in world cricket as an England player.

The inclusion of Ben Foakes, Craig Overton and Mason Crane are certainly interesting decisions and hopefully all three rise to the occasion.

While the re-introductions of James Vince and Gary Ballance will also attract plenty of attention.

I’ve got high hopes for Mark Stoneman, pictured. He’s a player who has really caught my eye in county cricket and I think he could have a good winter.

But it must have been a tough meeting for the selectors on the batting side because none of the newcomers have really stuck their hand will up over the summer to secure a spot in the team for the First Test in Brisbane on November 23.

It goes without saying, there is going to be huge pressure and expectation on Alastair Cook and skipper Joe Root to score a significant number of runs if we are going to have a chance of winning the series.

Back to Warwickshire and last week’s narrow defeat to Yorkshire was a real disappointment for everybody.

We played some pretty good crick- et throughout and looked well on top when we reduced them to 96 for seven in their second innings with them still needing 80 to win, so it was tough to take when they managed to scramble home by two wickets.

Winning’s a habit and when you haven’t done it for a while – like we haven’t in the Specsavers County Championship – it can be difficult to get over the line.

The positive was the improved performance and hopefully that bodes well moving forward.

Along with many of the other Warwickshire boys, I’m looking forward to playing in the Neal Abberley Memorial Trophy match against an All Stars team at Club on Saturday.

Both as a player and a coach, ‘Abbers’ had a huge influence on everyone at Warwickshire and I have so much to thank him for. He was a real mentor for me from the age of nine and I will be proud to be playing in his memorial match.

Here’s hoping for a big crowd turn out to remember a great man. Moseley Cricket to