As Tests go, the one at the Port of Spain ground later this week is a really crucial one for England. Momentum to be taken into the ODIs and English summer is essential if the Aussies aren’t to bulldose all over Andrew Strauss and his new era.

Losing to the West Indies in the Tests was not expected by most pundits but then England are not playing well enough against obdurate sides on decent batting tracks. If they are to snatch parity in the series and gain some confidence then a one-off selection is key.

I’d be surprised if the selectors are bold enough to shake things up too much but a few humble suggestions…

Scoring 600+ and then conceding over 700 won’t win Tests so pick five bowlers. Matt Prior should not walk back into the England side and given that the West Indies will prepare the mother of all dead pitches then wickets, wickets and more wickets are what England should be hunting for…

 

ENGLAND XI

Strauss
Cook
Shah
Pietersen
Collingwood
Bopara
Ambrose
Broad
Rashid
Swann
Khan