By JMB
September 15 2006

Anthony McGrath - an England player in everything else but name. Can he do any more to nudge the selectors, or at the age of 30 is it too late? McGrath a classy middle order batsmen is a better player now than when he was last picked for England in 2003. McGrath's last test match was against South Africa at Lords in 2003 where he scored just 17 runs in two knocks. The last of his 14 ODI appearances for England came a year later against India at Lords, when again he was out cheaply. The selectors seem to have permanently discarded the Yorkshireman, but there are compelling reasons why they should think again.

For a start he didn't do too much wrong last time around. In his 4 tests he scored just over 200 runs at an average of 40.20, and took 4 wickets at a measly 14.00 apiece. People have played 50 tests with a record a third as good as that!

People are made of stern stuff up north, yet the selectors rarely travel past Watford to see that for themselves. McGrath has become a real England player whilst they haven't been looking. He's fit, ready and playing the cricket of his life.

In the Championship this season McGrath averages just over 69. Throughout the 2005 season he averaged over 57. He has a good technique and is tough between the ears, where it probably matters most.

It is not just his batting that is better than before. Anthony McGrath is now a genuine all rounder. His bowling remains medium paced but he now knows what he is doing with the ball. In 2005 he took 16 Championship wickets at 32.56. He has already equalled that tally this year, and we're only halfway through the season.

Some players are ready to play for England at an early age and never look back. Some wines take longer to mature. In days where Duncan Fletcher could be accused of Eriksonesque selection in the one day side, as players come and go and results go from bad to worse, McGrath could be the answer. He can bat and bowl and field and do all sorts of other clever things.

The next time you get in your car Mr Graveney, turn on your satnav, type in Leeds and follow the instructions (although Mags is in Durham this week so check your fixtures first).

But it's not difficult Mr Graveney - you pick the best team you can and Anthony McGrath should at least be in the one day side.