The ruthlessness with which the selectors omitted Andrew Strauss from the Sri Lankan touring party is contrary to previous selection policy. 

After the Ashes debacle in Australia, selection policy was on the agenda - the incomprehensible decision to select Ashley Giles as opposed Monty Panesar for the first two Tests put England on the back foot before that fateful first ball was bowled. Abhorrent treatment was suffered by Chris Read at the hands of the selectors with Geraint Jones the preferred choice (Read had just come off the back of a successful series against the Pakistanis). In both of these cases the selectors apparently put their faith in the tried and tested and were proved wrong in the most comprehensive fashion, following the whitewash drubbing.

After the Test series with the Aussies attentions turned to the ODI Triangular Series. Here the likes of Saj Mahmood and Liam Plunkett were entrusted by the selectors to lead the attack with the new ball. The frequency with which both were incapable of controlling the white ball seemingly defied belief at times, as England were put to the sword in the first 10 overs, non more so than on Australia day, as England were trounced in spectacular fashion.

'The early Tests of the English summer saw both Harmison and Plunkett bowling at times to a set of invisible stumps positioned at leg-slip'


It took a most magnificent and gutsy virtuoso performance from the resilient Paul Collingwood to turn the series. Yet this episode in the story shows a complete reversal from the selectors, from the ailing Giles to the youth of Plunkett and Mahmood.  The international scene surely came too soon for these two, undoubtedly talented bowlers, and may possibly have had a detrimental effect on their early careers.

The World Cup saw England unwilling to heed the advice of pundits and attack the power-plays to place impetus into the innings early on. Mal Loye, although selected for the ODI Series  down under, was ignored - one of many capable of bludgeoning the ball in the early overs. One must question this change of policy yet again. Why was Loye discarded after such a short space of time? Anyone who has the talent to slog sweep Brett Lee for six is good enough.

Paul Nixon performed extremely well and was one of the highlights of an otherwise dull campaign, yet at 36, it was not a forward thinking selection and a contrast from the selections of Mahmood and Plunkett. 

The early Tests of the English summer saw both Harmison and Plunkett bowling at times to a set of invisible stumps positioned at leg-slip. Although Harmison was persevered with, and turned good towards the series end, Plunkett was placed on the scrapheap, joining Mahmood and has not been seen again since.

The selectors must be applauded for choosing Ryan Sidebottom who, having learned his trade in county cricket, was at ease with the international set-up. This is also similar to the selection of Dimitri Mascherenas who performed admirably after years of consist performances for Hampshire. Ravi Bopara, who has an abundance of natural talent, is another success. 

The ICC Twenty20 championship proved to be another mess-up by the selectors. The likes of Luke Wright seemed out of his depth and needs to gain more experience on the county scene. Although the selection of Chris Schofield seemed to indicate a backward step, failure to select players of International quality which ultimately was the source of their failing. Ian Bell, for example, after an amazing ODI Series against India was completely ignored.

The selectors' failures lie in their inconsistency.  Australia, as the saying goes, is the hardest team to be dropped from after being chosen in the first place - and credit must go to their selectors for the glory they have achieved in recent times. Parallels can be drawn between Mathew Hayden and Andrew Strauss.  Hayden, after a poor Ashes series in 2005, was branded as being past it. But the Aussie selectors backed his talent. He has re-established himself as one of the very best in the world. 

Strauss had been in the runs up until this summer, and he has been a determined and hugely successful performer since his record-breaking Test debut. Do the selectors need reminding of the old adage 'form is temporary and class is permanent'? Strauss most certainly is class.

England will fail to progress until they form a settled team, where players know that they will be able to have a run in the side to showcase their talents.

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