Surrey

It's a pity Bell will not be available for Warwickshire in their first county game tomorrow.

Gareth Batty took 2 wickets...

JT do you speak in a secret code?

The article has title "Great news for counties and fans" and I said:
Gareth Batty took 2 wickets...

I know what you said, I just didn't know why you did so unless that's your only great news.

I take it if Surrey don't want to pick Pietersen for the Worcestershire game as they feel they have a settled side and would rather not change it that's up to them? If KP would rather rather play IPL, which is his prerogative he is taking the risk that Surrey would rather keep the side that has been playing.

Will the ECB put any pressure on Surrey to pick him so that he plays a 1st class match before the 1st Test?

FOURTHREE That's an interesting thought, Certainly they have asked counties to do that in the past.

I see that Alastair Cook has been named in Wisden as one of the "cricketers of the year" for his average of 84 and double century. Strange that Ian Bell's 118 average and first double century didn't get him that honour.

Ian Bell was one of the 'Wisden cricketers of the year' in 2008, that's why, you can only be one once.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisden_Cricketers_of_the_Year

Thanks that's good to know.

comment by FOURTHREE (U1046)

posted 31 minutes ago

Ian Bell was one of the 'Wisden cricketers of the year' in 2008, that's why, you can only be one once.
=========================================

Surely a reason why it should NOT be called "Cricketers of the year" as many don't even qualify to win it.

Bressie
Always good having him playing for England and Yorkshire. I idolise the man and had to laugh when having won series after series we left him out, and starting playing Patel, Bopara and Morgan and hey presto
Good to have you back Big Tim

What I find interesting is that Bell is available only until a fixed date i.e. May 13th but Bopara is available for all games with no fixed date. Does that mean Bopara is doubtful to return to the test squad?

One reason why Bopara is available from the start may be because he didn't play in the recent Sri Lankan series.

Do the ECB think he doesn't need as much rest as Bell?

Only Patel (of the players back in England|) is available immediately who played in the 2nd Test.

It could 'do your head in' working out why some players are available and some not, ie Strauss not for CB40 against Netherlands, is it because they think the journey over there will tire him out!?

I'm sure the ECB have reasons for this. Thanks to the ECB for publishing this info.

Bopara doesn't have a central contract so that might be the reason. Essex do not get fully compensated so the ECB have less control over when he plays.

obviously an agenda against lancashire.jimmy anderson available for one game?thanks a lot.ridiculous.