Bring back Trescothick and Ramprakash: Lamb by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	AJ Lamb, ME Trescothick, MR Ramprakash
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 13th August 2009

 

Allan Lamb has called on selectors to make changes for the final Test by bringing back Marcus Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash.

 

Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell came under sharp criticism following the Headingley debacle and the likes of Surrey veteran Ramprakash and Kent captain Robert Key are being seen as possible replacements for next week's decider at the Oval.

 

Even Trescothick's name is in consideration and former England batsman Lamb believes all three should be given a chance.

 

"If it was against any other country, or not the Ashes, I wouldn't think about too many changes," Lamb told Press Association Sport.

 

"But unfortunately Bopara's totally out of nick at three and Bell has got a real problem against Mitchell Johnson, so I don't think you can play either of those players - both of them have to go.

 

"They both have technical flaws. Johnson has got Bell tidied up and I think Bell's not playing the short ball at all well.

 

"I would say, 'guys, it's a one-off thing - nothing against you'. And they'd probably be happy because it takes the pressure off them."

 

Lamb scoffed off suggestions that Ramprakash was old and won't be able to make that much of an impact.

 

"If you are going for the guy who has scored the most runs in county cricket, then you have to go for Ramprakash.

 

"He's aged 39, but Graham Gooch was still scoring hundreds at the age of 39.

 

"Robert Key is in good nick and got runs this week against Northampton. I know it's different at Test level but this guy has played Test cricket, so his name's got to be thrown into the hat too.

 

"Trescothick is saying that he hasn't been contacted, but that if he was, he'd give it some thought - well, lets have a chat with the guy, see what he's feeling.

 

"All of a sudden you stick in Trescothick and Ramprakash and then you have two very experienced players.

 

"I'd bring Trescothick in to open, drop Alastair Cook down to three, play Ramprakash at four and have Paul Collingwood at five.

 

"If they don't go for Ramprakash, they have to play Key at four.

 

"If they pick the right side we've got a chance of beating Australia. I've always said that with the talent we have and the players we have, it's been poor selection."