Buzzin Cricket

Durham fast bowler Steve Harmison has been called up by England ahead of the third test against South Africa which gets underway on Wednesday. The 29-year-old hasn’t represented his country since March but good form in the county game has seen him rewarded with another chance.

I have mixed feelings as to whether this is a sensible decision from the England selectors. Yes, Steve Harmison has been in fantastic form for Durham – he is the leading wicket taker in the County Championship – but his attitude towards international cricket bothers me. He has always shown a lack of commitment – he is retired from one day international cricket and while on tour for England has often hinted that there a million and one places he would rather be.

It does worry me that even if he performs this summer, he will either not want to tour this winter or he will under perform like he did in New Zealand recently. Should he really be selected if there is a good chance he won’t fancy touring India in November?

I guess the priority has to be winning the third test match against South Africa though and the selectors obviously feel that Steve Harmison is the man to make this happen. I’m not convinced, but I wish his the best. At least Andrew Flintoff will have his best mate back in the team with him.

Other changes to the squad include Paul Collingwood and Ryan Sidebottom returning to replace Chris Tremlett and surprise call-up last time round – Darren Pattinson. I’d put all my cricket betting money on Ryan Sidebottom making the 11 to play at Edgbaston, but Paul Collingwood’s involvement will depend on whether England operate a four or five man bowling attack.

If Paul Collingwood plays it will mean that Tim Ambrose will move down the order to eight and two of Stuart Broad, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson would have to miss out. If Paul Collingwood isn’t recalled, only one of these will miss out and England would have failed to strengthen their batting line up.

The problem at the moment for England is that nobody seems to know what the best team is. After going six test matches with the same side, things are now very uncertain – what exactly is England’s best team?

Well, putting aside the current squad, below is the team I would select given the choice:

Strauss, Cook, Vaughan, Pietersen, Bell, Flintoff, Foster, Broad, Swann, Sidebottom, Anderson.

As for the test match that starts on Wednesday, I expect Collingwood and Sidebottom to play with Stuart Broad and James Anderson missing out. I hope I am wrong though – this would be a negative move in my opinion.