The Pakistan legend looks back over an eventful summer
Roderick Easdale looks at the careers of some of England’s forgotten men still ‘hopeful’ of a recall
Despite England’s resurgence across all three formats during the tenure of Trevor Bayliss, it seems now more than ever there are places up for grabs. Whether it’s a pick for the future or simply a horses-for-courses move to plug a gap, county regulars who have already been tried and tested in England colours will no doubt be harbouring hopes of a recall. While the selectors are known to be a stubborn old bunch, there have been times in the past when they have thrown up the odd surprise – we’re thinking Shaun Udal getting the nod for a return in 2006? So could any of the following be in line for the most unlikely call to join the party in Bangladesh?
Gareth Batty
Tests: 7 ODIs: 10 T20S: 1 Last played: Mar 2009 Age: 38 The rationale for picking Batty as the third spinner in this winter’s Test squads is that he’s seen a lot of it, done a lot of it before, so should not suffer from Kerrigan-esque first-night nerves if suddenly thrust into the XI. Plus, it will be easy to say at the winter’s end: “Thanks for coming and good luck in your day job as Surrey skipper.” Ian Bell Tests: 118 ODIs: 161 T20S: 8 Last played: Nov 2015 Age: 34 When England’s middle-order misfired last summer Ballance got the boot, even though he had been scoring more runs than Bell. But butterfingers Bell soon followed. Ballance has been recalled despite relatively modest form, so could Bell? A better bat than those who have succeeded him, but the selectors need to be convinced he retains a hunger for Test cricket, plus he has not been prolific for Warwickshire this season. Ravi Bopara Tests: 13 ODIs: 120 T20S: 38 Last played: Mar 2015 Age: 31 An elegant batsman when going well, the selectors never seemed sure where he fitted in. He gained many white-ball caps as a batsman who bowled. The arrival of genuine all-rounders rendered his bowling less relevant and his batting was not consistent enough despite some fine knocks. Over and out. Tim Bresnan Tests: 23 ODIs: 85 T20S: 34 Last played: May 2015 Age: 31 He was on the winning side in his first 13 Tests, part of two Ashes-winning sides and the World T20-winning one. But a long-running elbow injury reduced his zip. Has already has had one recall from the wilderness when picked for a one-off ODI against Ireland under the captaincy of James Taylor when many players were unavailable. But another looks unlikely even though his batting is the best it’s been. Never lets anyone down, but has never run through sides, even at county level. Danny Briggs ODIs: 1 T20S: 7 Last played: Jan 2014 Age: 25 Has not been seen in England colours since returning 0-53 in a T20 against Australia. Easily young enough to have a second spell with England, but that he is not a big turner of the ball will count against him. Rikki Clarke Tests: 2 ODIs: 20 Last played: Sept 2006 Age: 34 Called up for England aged 21, in 2003, in the hope that he might become a useful all-rounder. He didn‘t. He only became a successful bowler long after his England days had ended and he only managed his first five-wicket haul well after his 28th birthday. However, he was named in the 30-man preliminary squad for the 2013 Champions Trophy campaign. Steven Davies ODIs: 8 T20S: 5
Last played: Feb 2011
Age: 30 One of England’s failed attempts to create their own Adam Gilchrist at the top of the order. Now plays for Surrey as a batsman, but out of contract at the end of the season. Said to be eyeing a move to a county, which might end up being Somerset, that will give him the gloves so he can press for a highly improbable international recall. Joe Denly ODIs: 9 T20s: 5 Last played: Feb 2010 Age: 30 In his T20 England career he faced 29 balls, scored 20 runs and got out five times. A slump in his county form after England dropped him ended any hope of a recall. Jade Dernbach ODIs: 24 T20S: 34 Last played: Mar 2014 Age: 30 Some deliveries suddenly become fashionable and when the slower ball was all the rage, Dernbach was in the fortunate position of already being its most enthusiastic proponent. It didn’t matter that he had never bowled particularly economically. But eventually it did. Gone for good.
Harry Gurney ODIs: 10 T20S: 2 Last played: Dec 2014
Age: 29 England wanted a left-arm opening bowler for their white-ball team, and Gurney fitted the description. But they needed more swing and penetration than Gurney could offer. Willey and Topley have risen above him in the peck--
ing order, as has Surrey’s teenage allrounder Sam Curran. Michael Lumb ODIs: 3 T20S: 27 Last played: Mar 2014
Age: 36 His last game was the T20 World Cup defeat by the Netherlands. Two T20s later Jason Roy was brought in as Hales opening partner. Stuart Meaker ODIs: 2 T20s: 2 Last played: Dec 2012 Age: 27 Selectors always love those with pace and Meaker offered it. But injures set him back. Fully fit again, he has rediscovered his pace. If he also rediscovers his swing he could be selling what the selectors want to buy. Time is still on his side, and Liam Plunkett has shown that quickies can come back after wretched form and a prolonged spell in the wilderness. Plunkett went seven years between Test appearances at one juncture, and four years and four months between ODI ones.
Graham Onions Tests: 9 ODIs: 4 Last played: June 2012
Age: 33 Had established himself in the side in 2009, then injury ruled him out of the 2010 season. Became tagged as a bowler for English conditions whose bowling might not travel well – even though almost half his international appearances were overseas. Averaged 24 with the ball in his six home Tests.
Stephen Parry ODIs: 2 T20s: 5 Last played: Nov 2015
Age: 30 A white-ball specialist, he has played only nine first-class games in 11 seasons, set against 190 white-ball ones. Lost out to Liam Dawson as the third spinner in the squad for this winter’s T20 World Cup.
Samit Patel Tests: 6 ODIs: 36 T20S: 18 Last played: Nov 2015
Age: 31 A batsman who also bowls defensive slow left arm, Patel’s bowling is out of kilter with modern trends with the fashion in international one-day cricket now for bowlers who attack. Also, although Northants have shown that successful white-ball cricketers can come in the large economy size, the England management has always had as much concern about Patel’s figure as his figures. Slim chance of a recall.
Ajmal Shahzad Tests: 1 ODIs: 11 T20S: 3 Last played: Mar 2011
Age: 31 Received his Test cap on basis of his perceived potential when Stuart Broad was rested. Problems with injuries, form and his relationship with Yorkshire – the first of his four counties – all contributed to ending his international career.
James Tredwell Tests: 2 ODIs: 45 T20S: 17 Last played: Apr 2015
Age: 34 A trusted member of the England set-up under Andy Flower and Peter Moores who captained England in a T20 international in 2013. His Test appearances were more than five years apart. A change in coaching regime and an emphasis on attacking cricket have left Tredwell out of the picture.