England are set to take a massive punt by picking Jonathan Trott for his Test debut in the Ashes decider at The Oval starting Thursday.
The BBC reported the South African-raised batsman is set to come in for the out-of-sorts Ravi Bopara with Ian Bell to move up the order to No.3 after scoring 126 for Warwickshire this week.
Bell’s county teammate Trott made 121 in the same game and has been withdrawn from Australia’s tour match against the England Lions that started on Saturday.
England, who must win the fifth Test to regain the Ashes, are set to announce their squad at 1830 AEST on Sunday.
Bopara had made just 105 runs at 15 in the opening four Ashes Test before making 52 for Essex on Friday.
But it is understood that knock wasn’t enough to sway selectors for Bopara to retain his spot.
whiteline
Guest
a massive punt by picking Jonathon Trott?? Why is that such a big deal? Bopara has been an utter embarrasment. He was totally out of his depth for the first three teasts when the Australians bowled like 3rd graders so I'm not sure why dropping the guy is going to be a huge risk. Hopefully Trott knows what end of the stick to hold as watching Bopara bat was a train smash.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
Langer got it right. they dont have the true belief or inner strength to perform at test level. Bully boys: who cares about runs scored in county comp. One G Hick was a massive scorer at county level but found out at test level. it is a combination of placid wickets and bowlers that create the false impression. anyway, I am happy for them to go with Bell and three and debutante trott at 4 and a crippled Freddie at 5 or 6 compounded by a long, inept tail.