A rush of young blood?

Another late night, another Twenty 20 loss. Ever since the mid nineties we've mostly had the better of England in the shorter version(s) of the game, so the two defeats are pretty much a sign of the times: England are a limited overs side on the ascendancy while we're now apparently laying the foundations of a new era.

I guess we need patience to see this sour phase through, but I must question the approach of both the selectors and stand in skipper Brendon McCullum to this quick series. From their comments which have appeared in the newspaper, they were happy to admit that the side is on the back foot following the unavailability of many key players in the recent past, to the extent that the momentum has been allowed to firmly swing England's way leading into the onedayers. McCullum was quoted as saying it wouldn't be a big deal if the side lost the 20s, while the selectors seem only too keen to rush any rookie in hot domestic form into the big time. While I've always been in favour of playing in form players, I have my doubts about the selectors' motives. It feels as if they're hoping to discover the next Shane Bond or Chris Cairns out of nowhere, leading to a couple of wasted selections. Daniel Flynn, who replaced Jacob Oram at Christchurch was a case in point as he didn't get a bowl and was asked to bat with fourteen-an-over required. On the other hand Tim Southee, the fast bowler, was very impressive but finds himself preparing for the under 19 world cup instead.

My prediction for the one day series is 3-2 to England on current form. The trio of Sidebottom, Anderson and Broad with their extra pace will swing it their way. And I wouldn't have imagined myself saying so a few months earlier. Anyway, my verdict on the new selections:

1. Tim Southee: Not as quick as the reports I read suggested, but this guy has great temperament and a fine yorker. Unfortunately he won't be around for the onedayers. Too promising a talent to slip off the selectors' radar, though.

2. Jesse Ryder: Looks and bats like a left handed Inzy. Could put pressure on the likes of Taylor and Fulton but in all likelihood will be wasted as an opener. A character.

3. Daniel Flynn: A wasted selection as I said earlier, but the lead up to the game suggested he could be another contender for the allrounder slot.

4. Paul Hitchcok: What is he doing back in the side anyway?

I say bring back Vincent and Adams.