Andy Flower looks to have just one selection dilemma ahead of the first Ashes Test match in Brisbane.
As Frank Gregan pointed out in his post on betting.betfair entitled ‘Ashes 2010/11 Betting: Getting selection right is crucial for England’ all but one of England’s starting XI for the first Test look to be nailed on. Bowlers Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steven Finn and Graeme Swann are near certainties to start, Matt Prior will keep wicket, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook will open and Paul Collingwood, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen, for the first Test at least, are all highly likely to play.
So, the final place is a tossup between Eoin Morgan and Ian Bell. All logic suggests that it must be Bell. He has looked in fine nick in recent weeks, especially that 192 last time out against Australia A, and can call upon experience gained from previous, albeit unsuccessful, Ashes series in Australia.
However, Flower must be tempted to throw a curveball to the Australians. Get them thinking on their feet so to speak. If they are expecting and preparing to bowl to Bell then perhaps the selection of Morgan will knock them out of their stride a little. It should certainly be considered.
Whilst I respect that Bell is the form player my vote goes for Morgan for the above reason and also for the change in mentality that he can bring to the team, and more importantly the game. His ability to turn a negative situation into a positive one should not be underestimated. His innovation, although admittedly more effective and apparent on the limited overs stage, can turn a game completely on its head.
Too often England get stuck in a rut with the mentality in which they are approaching games. With Morgan in the side there is a readymade option to change all that and as we all know, momentum can be a huge factor in any sport.