Ward Sends Timely Reminder

Surrey batsman Ian Ward today shot a timely reminder to the England selectors.

With the national squad hit with injury, and recalling John Crawley at the age of 31 with a poor test record behind him, Ward smashed a career-best unbeaten 168 to lead the championship leaders to a two-wicket victory that had seemed impossible just hours earlier.

After slumping to 264-7, chasing 410 against Kent. With the help of Saqlain Mushtaq (60), and James Ormond (43*), Ward dominated the Kent bowlers in faultless innings which included 19 fours and a six.

Surely if Crawley fails, and England are still injury-struck by the second test (and this is likely to happen, as Marcus Trescothick will not play for the remainder of the summer), Ward will get his chance.

To date, the fiery left-hander has played just five tests, and whilst his top score of 39 against Pakistan last year is disappointing, he has the talent and concentration to succeed at the top level.