By Michael Norwood
May 31 2013

With the news that Warwickshire's Boyd Rankin has been called into the England one day squad, as cover for the injured duo of Stuart Broad and Steve Finn, is ODI coach Ashley Giles guilty of returning England to the old boys brigade of the 80's and 90s'?

Back then, all it seemed you had to do was play county cricket for Surrey, and you were more than likely to make the national side, given most of the selectors were also associated with the south London side.

Giles has now raised a lot of eyebrows when panicked by the pulling out of the 1st couple of ODI's with New Zealand, of fast bowling pair Steve Finn and Stuart Broad.

Both are suffering from 'slight niggles' we are told, and it is just a case of being careful ahead of the champions trophy which start next week.

But seriously, calling up the 28 year old Rankin?, a player who gave up international cricket with Ireland earlier this year.

How does the young James Harris feel having featured in the winter touring squad without getting a sniff?

Ok so Giles will know what Rankin can do at county level, given the former left arm spinner's time as Bears coach, but the inclusion also of Warwickshire's Chris Woakes in the starting eleven at Lord's for the opening one dayer with the Kiwi's, also smacks of a one eyed view of calling on former players of the midlands county side.

A decision that meant the in form Jonny Bairstow was once again cruelly left out of the starting eleven.

You aren't telling me that our 'pool' of fast bowling talent is so lacking depth that we have to go over to Ireland to 'borrow' on of their bowling units?

Strange decision by Giles, and one he needs to justify as the spotlight falls on him over the coming month or so.

Whilst we all have eyes and hearts for the Ashes later in the summer, don't think we won't want the ODI side to do well in the last ever Champions Trophy.

Is Giles Turning us into England Bears?

Discussion started by England Cricket (IP Logged), 31/05/2013 22:48

England Cricket
31/05/2013 22:48

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