Quick Singles

So just as I was praising the the consistent selection policies of the England team they go and pull a fast one on us; Matt Prior has been selected ahead of Steve Davies for the upcoming World Cup. England of course have form with wicket keepers, just before the Twenty20 World Cup Matt Prior himself lost out to Craig Kieswetter and that turned out pretty well. Lets not forget that over the last two years England have only been consistent in their inconsistency when it comes to keeper selection. The constant fiddling with the wicket keeper position is worrying, in the field the keeper is motor on which the team runs and to be constantly changing such a key element is somewhat reckless.

The cricketing reasons for Matt Prior’s selection are sound, he’s now developed into a very fine keeper and his batting has developed to the point that in test cricket he could easily be selected as a batsman alone. Prior has put a great deal of effort into all elements of his game and he’s put his selection beyond debate, however this would seem to be difficult to translate into limited overs form. Prior’s one day average of just 25 speaks for itself, his limited overs batting is inconsistent and without a hundred, unfortunately it doesn’t get much better in domestic one day games where is he’s got a average a shade under 28. Statistically it would appear to make no sense but if you watch Matt Prior batting and keeping you know he should be a good one day player.

The selectors have decided to trust their cricketing instinct over hard statistical analysis, as a cricket fan I both respect and fear the consequences of that. However with Davies looking decidedly shaky during his limited appearances in Australia perhaps this is for the best decision for everyone, plus we get to see that beard gain.