Sellsy's Monday Supplement

Joe Root seems to be the man of the moment for England. He is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, always in the headlines and is one of the most popular searches on Cricinfo – I believe they could that “trending” or is that Twitter?

Root has had a fantastic winter, grasping his opportunity in the final Test against India when selected to bat at number six. An unusual position for Root, as he opens the innings for Yorkshire. This didn’t faze him in any shape or form, as he ground out a magnificent half century in the first innings and effectively kill the Test and help England win away in India.

Since then he has been batting magnificently for England both in India and now in New Zealand in the short format of the game. I believe he is the first player in ODI history to score 30 or more in his first six innings, some feat.

Now, there have been calls for Root to take Somerset’s Nick Compton place at the top of the order and open with captain, Alastair Cook. Michael Vaughan, a former Yorkshire player, got the ball rolling some time a go saying that his fellow Yorkshireman should open. Is he being bias to his fellow Tyke? Well he has a case, but surely Somerset’s Compo deserves an extended run in the Test team at the top of the order, as he did no wrong against India.

Well a shootout for selection could take place on Wednesday when England play a New Zealand XI in their only warm-up game. Should be an interesting few days. Incidentally, I say Wednesday but please don’t let the time difference confuse you as it will start Tuesday night here in the UK, a bit like the first Test the following week, in fact all three Tests.

Personally I can’t see why England should change the top seven from the team who played India in the fourth Test in Nagpur with Root going in a number six. At least that sorts that position out and no Samit useless Patel! 

Anyway, enough from me, 6.57, time for skittles and a Thatchers or two!