http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/34866711
Bell's (finally) been given the boot, and Rashid is dropped in favour of Patel for the second spinner slot which probably won't be used in South Africa anyway.
Bigger news though - Nick Compton is recalled. He probably won't open - I'm sure Hales will get his chance - but I'm glad to see he's not been discarded on principle and the door is still open, theoretically anyway. And if Hales struggles (which is he known to do against express pace) then we've got arguably the most reliable backup on hand.
Mark Footitt is in line to make his debut as well - if he manages to cement his place and gets a central England contract then he'll go down as one of Surrey's more pointless signings As a Surrey boy, though, I won't be too upset if he goes on to take lots of wickets for England. And Ben Stokes is passed fit for the series.
Good news all round in my humble - I'm glad to finally see the back of Bell and I think Compton is a solid move. Patel most likely won't play and Footitt is very talented indeed.
England Test squad: Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire, wk), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire, wk), Nick Compton (Middlesex), Mark Footitt (Surrey), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), James Taylor (Nottinghamshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
Bell and Rashid dropped, Compton returns
posted on 21/11/15
The batting is thread bare. Makes sense to give Compton a good run at 3. Hales may be hit and miss as he finds his feet so having arguably the second most defensive batsman in the game to take the shine off the new ball, makes sense.
I really hope Lee's and Bell-Drummond push on next year. Cabell and Hameed also have potential in the opener slot.
We seem to lack batting options for now. Vince for example hasn't kicked on. The likes of Leaning, Clarke and Hain are young and have a few years to develop.
Ballance will come good. As a Yorkie it amazed me to see him at 3. He is a five and will come good.
Bowling wise we have some great options. Beyond the ones chosen, you have the Curran brothers and Overton twins. In that lot you have pace, height, swing and a leftie. Exciting to see their development next year.
For now the back up option should go to Woakes or Footitt who are both 88mph plus, in the absence of Wood and Finn.
The big concern remains the spinner. Panels a County bladder. If fit, I would have much preferred Ansari. In South Africa we will get away with Ali at 8 but longer term we have to hope a genuine option comes through. Rashid appears destined for ODI and T20 specialist. Mason Crane is another youngster with promise. Whether he needs the required time to perfect his leg spin on the circuit or whether he can be fast-tracked, we do not know.
Hales, Cook, Compton, Root, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow wk, Ali, Broad, Footitt, Anderson.
posted on 21/11/15
Abell not Cabell*
Patels a County bladder*
posted on 22/11/15
Was thinking maybe leaving bell out of this tour will actually prolong his test career. If he had been picked and had another bad series then he may have retired. As it is I expect him to come back fresh next summer, score bags of runs in county cricket and earn a recall.
posted on 22/11/15
It could happen Benny. If England's middle order fail in South Africa, Bell could earn a recall to play against what will be an average Pakistan team.
posted on 22/11/15
How are Pak going to be average?
posted on 22/11/15
In truth a home series to Pakistan makes them average. It should, based on previous series be a home win.
In their own conditions I would say it's the toughest tour there is.
posted on 23/11/15
I think India will be the toughest tour there is with there square turners from day 1. Batsmen become so worried they get out to bad shots or average balls.
posted on 23/11/15
While I expect us to lose in England 2016 due to our batsman's dodgy technique against the moving ball I still expect our bowling unit to take wickets.
Amir, Wahab and Imran along with Yasir will be a good foursome with the pacers enjoying the swing.
posted on 23/11/15
I can't see Amir going. I expect some backroom deal to be done so that he doesn't go.
posted on 23/11/15
Kash it's your batting thats the issue. You have had good bowlers in our conditions before. Who was the lad who got done who bowled 80mph? Aside? He was world class.
I don't see how your batting will cope with our conditions and seam options.
That's not me being arrogant by the way, more a point of how home advantage takes over.