Kevin Pietersen confirmed as captain

[Trumpton]

Let's be honest here - England are a second division international team at the moment. This has been clearly demonstrated by their inability to beat India (last year) and recently losing to South Africa.

Despite the millions poured into the game from Sky, England STILL cannot produce the bowlers (they are the most important aspect in winning Test matches) who have the skill and expertise to take 20 wickets to win a game.

England were woeful on Saturday (not taking anything away from Graeme Smith's 150 - his best Test innings), they should have bowled South Africa out for less than the 280 they needed.

[bristolian]

I think many of you are barking up thie wrong tree with Cook, certainly re any captain of a one-day team. He is precisely the sort of steady accumulator that teams played 5+ years ago. Those days have gone and most international teams have openers who are in a completely different mould (Gayle, Hayden, Sehwag etc). I don't think Cook is at all guaranteed a place at all at one-day level, despite England being such a poor side. Long-term he may be able to change his game to be able to fit this particular bill but not at the moment.

Bell- despite his obvious talent, he always seems a couple of knocks away from being dropped, despite all the technical ability in the world.

Key- ??? It has already been said, just not good enough.....

KP- The only candidate left who should outlast that clown Moores

[Welshman]

Maybe a word of warning - KP could be the next IT Botham. The best player but not the best captain. In 1981 against the Aussies Botham's form suffered from the pressure of captaincy and he was rejuvenated when it was taken from him. Can England afford that to happen to their best player, especially when he has next to no captaincy experience?

[colonel]

I judge people by their commitment and interest in God's own game- cricket.

As a Member of a County Cricket Club, I am really pleased with the detailed reaction- really chuffed to read it. I can't compete with the detail- but I just wanted to post this.

!grin!

[bristolian]

I can't believe that Prior is all of a sudden the finished article- not so long ago he looked completely out of his depth. I saw him at The Oval v India and he was useless. Now there is a call to bring him back! The better long term bet is Steven Davies of Worcs, fine keeper and decent bat. It should be that way round, can he keep? can he score runs? The trouble is we were a bit spoilt with Alec Stewart (couldn't stand him, but a good player) and everyone compares with and wants the 'new Gilchrist'. Just not possible- he was unique and special, a once in a lifetime player.

[JamesW]

Davies is definitely one for the future.

Right now I'm surprised that James Foster hasn't been given another chance.

Having said that, Peter Moores is obviously in favour of his former proteges at Sussex, Prior and Ambrose.

[Dave Wells]

He'll do for me.

[colonel]

As a Worcs. supporter, I think that there is a element of blacklisting against their players.

Peter Moores was a Worcs. player who was released because he didn't make the grade. Bad and sore loser?