Buzzin Cricket

After England’s fine series win over New Zealand, and in light of the fact that everyone is questioning the batsmen’s abilities, I thought I’d have a look at how the bowlers might line up for the forthcoming battle against South Africa.

Ryan Sidebottom - no-brainer, he has to play. Still our most consistent threat with the swinging ball. He might want to drop the “aggression” though - some of those South Africans are big lads.

Jimmy Anderson - I’m sure he will play, but there’s always the worry about which Jimmy will turn up. The one who swings the ball at 90 mph and makes mugs of even the best batsmen, or Jimmy who keeps hurtling it down the leg side and goes for 8 an over.

Stuart Broad - probably most at threat if Flintoff is fit. Swings the ball but always looks a yard slower than the other two. Kallis, Smith & co. could well decide to go after the youngster and it might get ugly. I hope he proves me wrong.

Monty Panesar - no competition for his place, still a big asset to the side on the right pitch. Capable of dismissing the very best players.

Contenders - Harmison is apparently performing again, Flintoff still keeps getting injured but will surely play if at all fit, can’t see any way back for the unfortunate Hoggard. No-one else is on fire for their county so the selectors probably won’t change the side to start with. A bit more time for Freddie to get some form won’t hurt, but expect to see him back pretty quickly if things start to fall apart.