Buzzin Cricket

England have named their 15-man test squad for the tour of India that gets underway in December. The most talked about selections will be that off Matt Prior and Graeme Swann who have been given the nod to be part of Kevin Pietersen’s touring party.

Matt Prior returns to the test arena after impressing in the one-day series against South Africa and will be going head to head with Tim Ambrose for possession of the gloves. Then, Graeme Swann will be used as England’s second spinner after he was called up in favour of Samit Patel and Adil Rashid. Both these players have already been in the one-day squad and again highlights the aim of the selectors to be consistent in the players they choose for international cricket.

Many people will be thinking that Graeme Swann will be play ‘second fiddle’ to England’s number one spinner Monty Panesar. However, this will be far from the case. In India, the chances of England playing two spinners are greatly increased. Graeme Swann will be one of the main men for England this winter and I am pleased for him. It is reward for his consistent good performances for Nottinghamshire. Even when called upon by England he has impressed me. He averages 15.11 with the ball in One Day International cricket, after all. I wouldn’t mind a look at what the cricket odds are on him taking more wickets than Panesar this winter.

The other talking point as far as selection is concerned is the inclusion of Owais Shah, who fills the batting void left by Michael Vaughan. Owais Shah has been preferred to Essex’s Ravi Bopara, who will be devastated about the news that he won’t be going to India. He knew this was a big winter for him as an international player and this will be tough to take. I hope he bounces back.

Owais Shah is a class performer though and won’t let England down. For what it is worth, I think there were two factors behind him getting the call up. First of all, he provides another spin option. Then, it is my belief that captain Kevin Pietersen is a huge fan of his. He put faith in him by batting him at three in the ODI’s and has continued this loyalty by getting him on the plane to India.