5 Thoughts on the T20 So Far.....

A few thoughts on the World T20 so far....

1. It's been pretty dull

T20 is supposed to be the format of cricket that appeals to a wider audience. Even as a massive fan of the game, I appreciate that most people do not want to spend five days watching Jonathan Trott nurdle the ball into the leg side or Stuart Broad maintaining a consistent line and length outside off stump. T20 has worked because it's both quick and exciting, with the greatest rewards being for players who can improvise and make things happen.

Therefore, having a group stage which is to all intensive purposes completely meaningless isn't the best way to start the tournament. Afghanistan, Ireland, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have all bitten the dust, and due to the vagueries of the seeding system, the matches between the bigger nations are completely pointless given they have no bearing on the rest of the tournament. Essentially, the first round of matches have been glorified warm-ups.

2. The attendances are low and this is good news for the IPL

The somewhat pointless nature of the matches has been reflected in the attendances, with in particular the daytime games being watched by no-one in particular. Only India seem to have attracted full houses for both games (unsurprisingly) and again in leads to the general feel of a tournament that hasn't really started. This is supposed to be the biggest T20 tournament in the world, but at the minute it is failing to live up to either the cricket nor excitement of the IPL. And that is only a good thing for the IPL, which will attract more fans as it becomes clearer that it is where the future of T20 (and possibly cricket as a whole) lies.

3. England need to go back to move forward against spin

Mixed in with a dissappointing start to the tournament was England's horrifying attempts at playing what at the end of the day are two fairly ordinary spinners in international terms against India. Most worrying was that England seemed to have no clear gameplan of how to combat what is a well-known problem for them, with batsman falling into pre-meditated shots or being completely bamboozled by variation. Andy Flower remains one the finest players of spin I have seen but seems unable to transmit his ideas to a team of players who do not face this quality of spin often enough or bat on pitches that give spinners this much opportunity.

The best I have seen any England team play spin was under Duncan Fletcher, using the forward press technique (third of a stride forward when the bowler enters his action). This technique seems to have been lost since Fletcher left the scene but seems to have been the most effective technique England have found against spin, particularly for Trescothick and Vaughan in their pomp and hopefully come the tour of India it may make a comeback.

4. T20 has saved Shane Watson's career and continues to work for him

Someone who has provided some entertainment in between the one-sided games and the rain is Shane Watson, for whom T20 cricket has provided a career that in previous generations may have fizzled out into nothing. Watson's talent has never been in doubt but an almost interminable set of injuries completely derailed his career, and he looked set to be added to the list of players who never fulfilled their potential through any fault of their own. However, injury prone players now have an avenue to extend their careers via T20 and Watson has used it perfectly.

In 2008, Watson had spent two years injured when all and sundry expected him to take Andrew Symonds place in the test side. He missed the Australian 2007/08 summer, normally meaning that he had little chance of playing county cricket in England and thus would have to wait until the next Australian summer to prove his fitness. Watson instead was able to play in the 2008 IPL, playing every game bar one (rested) for Rajasthan, finishing in the top 4 for both runs and wickets, and winning player of the tournament. Crucially for his career, he proved he could have success opening the batting. When Phil Hughes disintegrated in the 2009 Ashes, Watson was now fit, and success opening the batting, admittedly in another format, and got his Test place. Three years later he is the reigning Australian player of the year and man of the match in both of their first two games. Not bad for a player who twenty years ago would have most likely been forced into injury retirement.

5. A bad tournament for the men could mean a good one for the women

Coinciding with the start of the next group phase in the beginning of the sister women's T20 tournament, held in the same venues with both semi-finals and final at the same ground as the men's semis and final earlier in the day. The general dullness and malaise of the men's tournament plays into the women's tournaments hands, where T20 is creating a new buzz around women's cricket. England's women in particular are benefitting from this, with a raised profile in this tournament due to a number of factors, including the Olympic summer, the novelty factor but maybe above all the fact that until their final game before the tournament they were unbeaten in T20 cricket for 18 months.

England are expected to win, and rightly so. They bat inventively, bowl to their plans and their fielding puts the men's subcontinent teams to shame. The general consensus from those more in the know than me is that England have reached a level in the past 12 months that deserves recognition well beyond what they currently receive, and at the centre of this is Sarah Taylor, the keeper/batsman who has several pundits saying she is good enough to play county cricket. If the men's tournament continues to flounder and the women's tournament can entertain, then England's women can ultimately benefit, if they win the tournament as expected.

An Even Playing Field

The world T20 begins today, here's how I see the 12 teams fairing in what looks an incredibly even tournament:-

Going Home Early

Afghanistan

Very easy to lapse into clichés with Afghanistan, so may as well do it. They have done brilliantly to get this far, and in ten years they will most likely be a Test playing nation. As for now, their bowling might be quite effective in Sri Lankan conditions, but their batting is not up for dealing with the Indian pace bowlers let alone Steven Finn. Two brave defeats and then back to building for the future.

Ireland (Just)

Whereas the Afghans are genuine minnows, Ireland are very much knocking on the door. In Paul Stirling, they have an outstanding T20 batsman and are more than capable of beating either Australia or the West Indies. I don't think they will however, as their bowling will unlikely be able to cope with the power packed opposition. Watch out for Stirling though, particularly if they get set less than 150.

Zimbabwe

Somewhere between Ireland and Afghanistan, Zimbabwe would have been hoping for a slightly kinder draw. South Africa will efficiently see them off, and Sri Lanka should take advantage of home conditions to see them off. But, that aside, Zimbabwean cricket is back in an upswing and still have some dangerous players.

Bangladesh

Going home early will be Bangladesh, despite them getting the prime draw of New Zealand. They simply do not have the batting in any conditions to trouble the best sides, however well Shakib bowls. They're 50 over cricket is progressing well but it is at the expense of their T20 cricket and frankly if they were playing Ireland I know exactly who my money would be on.

Stay of Execution

New Zealand

Basically, it's McCullum and Taylor, and an awful lot of players who have a distinct journeyman feel to them. Vettori remains a good bowler but had a shocking IPL and gone are the days when their lack of ability could be hidden behind the brilliant leadership of Stephen Fleming. Will beat Bangladesh and quite possibly no-one else.

Sri Lanka

Essentially a better version of New Zealand. Dilshan, Sangakarra and Jayawardene form an exceptional trio at the top of the order, and expect big-hitting all-rounder Thisara Perera to announce himself at this tournament. With the bowling Malinga will be the huge threat but whereas in the IPL teams have to attack him, batsman will know there is rubbish just round the corner with Sri Lanka and he will lose some of his effectiveness. A solid showing from the hosts but no more.

Australia

This looks a very good side until you look at a) their recent results and b) their spinners. When you are choosing between Brad Hogg and Xavier Doherty for your spin king for a tournament in the sub-continent you have big problems and these are not ones that can be overcome by Warner and Watson, the most dangerous opening combination in the tournament. George Bailey seems the right choice as captain despite a likely modest personal contribution but he's going to have to be a bloody genius to prevent the Aussies from bleeding runs. Expect their games to be high-scoring.

England

It is impossible to look at England's side and not think "that's a good T20 side.... in 2014". There is plenty of explosive talent in the Hales/Buttler/Bairstow/Finn/Dernbach/Briggs group, but they lack the necessary experience to beat enough of the big teams consistently in order to win this tournament. With the batting, so much rides on Eoin Morgan, but Luke Wright is a real sleeper pick to be the top run scorer if England go far given his T20 form over the past 12 months. Most likely for England it's a learning experience before a real charge at the title in 2014.

Semi-Finalists

India

Whilst their bowling looks very, very soft, the IPL gives this side so much experience that they should get through both group stages unscathed. The batting is outstanding, and the Indian selectors seem to have got the right balance, particularly in surrounding Sehwag with young, talented players giving him full licence to attack without fear of the side being in big trouble if he gets out. A lot will rest on the man below, Virat Kohli, who despite giving the impression that he is a bit of a cock, is the outstanding white ball batsman in the world right now and seems to have got the confidence that he will get runs every time he walks out to bat. A run to the semis then beaten by a side that can contain their batting then take advantage of their bowling.

 

South Africa

Another side stacked with batting, loaded with fast bowling but no spinner worthy of the name. Robin Petersen bowled reasonably in England and Johan Botha has a good reputation as a captain but leadership skills and reasonable performances don’t cut it when a Gayle or Watson is stood at the other end and you need to take the pace of the ball. It’s been a wonderful summer for the Proteas, and you can be sure that AB De Villiers (below) will entertain and Steyn and Morkel will bowl quickly but it’s tough to see them winning a game on a turning track.

Runners-Up

West Indies

The first Test series I ever watched was England v West Indies in 1995, when I was told by my Dad about the superman that came from the Caribbean who could hit the ball miles, bowl at the speed of light and catch anything that moved. The West Indies of my youth have been quite different to those of his, with constant, unyielding disappointment that has shown little sign of ending, with that hopefully ending this tournament.

In Chris Gayle, they have the world’s best T20 batsman. In Sunil Narine, the world’s best T20 bowler. Keiron Pollard is one of the top five T20 players in the world. They have talent, the right captain in Darren Sammy and so many players who bring a lot to this team with both bat and ball. Badree would walk into most other sides and yet it seems unlikely that he will play at all. The main potential weakness is that they have too many hitters and not enough (or any) ballast but they will win matches and they will entertain. I want them to win it in all but in the crunch final, I don’t see their batting coming off against the last remaining side.

Winners

Pakistan

I make no bones about it, I don’t like Pakistani cricket. The whole PCB structure is notoriously corrupt; they should have been thrown out of Test cricket in 2006, then again in 2011, yet coming into this tournament I make them favourites over everyone else. A sort of anti-West Indies, they will play comparatively dull cricket, looking to keep sides below 140 with their array of quality spinners, led by Saeed Ajmal.

Despite having been around international cricket for a few years, I still haven’t seen a batsman who convincingly picks his doosra and his off-break is frankly outstanding as well. He’ll most likely be the main part of a four pronged spin attack, his off-breaks mixed with Mohammed Hafeez’s darts, Shahid Afridi’s bag of mainly leg-spinning tricks and quite possibly Raza Hasan’s left arm spin. Add in Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir, and there is not a single weak link in that bowling attack. The batting line-up is weak, but has enough talent to chase the succession of simple chases they will be left with.

Winners – Pakistan

Top Run Scorer – Chris Gayle

Top Wicket Taker – Sunil Narine (Pakistan will share them around)

Player of the Tournament – Saeed Ajmal

A Team in Transition

Well that really could have gone better....

England entered the series as world number one's, and leave it with several questions about their future. South Africa played significantly better cricket, their bowlers in particular out-performing our own on pitches that offered either attack little assistance. South Africa were continually able to build pressure by consistent bowling which led to mistakes from the England batsman, that their South African counterparts, particularly the man below, did not make.

But there's no shame in losing to a better side. The problem comes when halfway through the series the dressing room conflicts that every side has, but that England have far worse than most currently, spill out into the media and lead to massive speculation about the future career of one of their own players. Not only was the Pietersen saga embarassing due to what had happened, but the drip drip nature of the reporting led to it taking up the entire week before the final Test, with the inevitable (and correct) conclusion of the dropping of Kevin Pietersen.

Whatever had been done previously in terms of money grabbing books written and IPL arguments in India, to criticise your head coach and captain to the opposition is inexcuseable, and then to be arrogant enough to not apologise when given the opportunity stupid in the extreme. Whatever is decided about Pietersen's central contract, even his biggest fans (of which I am very nearly one) need to accept that for the sake of dressing room unity that he cannot be picked whilst Flower is coach, and while a number of Strauss' friends remain in the dressing room.

On to India, and it was hard to see England winning there with Strauss and Pietersen but now it seems that damage limitation might have to be the extent of our amibition. We need to find an opener, a middle order batsman and decide exactly what mix of bowlers will suit us best on what are likely to be very slow burners in India. In terms of Strauss' replacement, many are excited by Joe Root, but England may take a long term view that he is better served with a home debut. I feel they only need look at the other opener and new captain to see that if the player is good enough, he is ready after the way Cook played in 2006. If England get cold feet on Root, Michael Carberry and Nick Compton would be solid choices although a good World T20 could push Alex Hales into the mix.

As for the Pietersen spot in the middle order, Taylor and Bairstow have possession but I would expect to see Eoin Morgan involved in some capacity. One poor tour should not cost him his repuation as a good player of spin, and England need a quick scoring batsman who has the ability to dominate an attack. With the bowlers, Anderson and Swann (if fit) will play and Broad's performances last winter should keep his spot. It will be Finn v Panesar but for the 1st Test expect England to test out India's ability against the short ball and pick Finn.

Predicted Squad for India - Alistair Cook (c), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor, Matt Prior, Steven Davies, Samit Patel, Tim Bresnan, Steven Finn, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar.

The Best in the Business

I thought I'd have another go at blogging, mainly because I'm bored, but also because I am massively excited about England v South Africa tomorrow. In my view they are not only the best two test sides in the world, but easily the most exciting and likeable as well. So here are a few thoughts on each team:-

England - The thinking is that Bresnan will play ahead of Finn with Oions both 5th choice and now injured. That leaves England with the usual faces in the top 5, Bopara at six and then the tried and tested bowling attack. England's batsman are going to be properly tested against the pace of Steyn, Philander, Morkel and Kallis. Most of our batsmen are fairly methodical and against the pace and ability of Steyn that might not be enough. The key player for England is probably Ian Bell, he's got a fantastic record against pace bowling and at five is well protected even though I expect England to lose wickets early. If England can lay a decent platform Bell can get in and make runs against a tiring attack.

As for the bowlers, they really are a fantastic unit. Anderson will lead as always, and his battle with Smith is huge for both sides. Smith tore him asunder in 2003 but Anderson is a far better bowler now. Broad should offer fantastic support and Bresnan will do the donkey work. I wouldn't expect much from Graeme Swann though, the pitches are extremely unlikely to help him.

South Africa - SA are expected to pick the same side as played their final warm-up match, being Smith, Petersen, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers, Rudolph, Duminy, Philander, Steyn, Morkel and Tahir. If De Lange had been fit I could see them playing for seamers but without Tahir will have to step up to the mark. He is capable of running through a side but his control leaves a lot to be desired and he is the kind of bowler who could let the game run away. Steyn is simply the best bowler in the world, and Philander seems perfectly suited to English conditions, with the ability to swing the ball both ways and a lack of pace meaning he is unlikely to bowl short. Someone who will bowl short is Morne Morkel and he will most likely be the deciding player of the series.

If he bowls poorly, England have two bowlers they can look to score well against and it will be hard for Smith to rotate his bowlers well enough to keep the pressure on and Steyn and Philander fit and healthy. If he bowls well, then the first 15 overs of every innings will be a nightmare for England, with South Africa having three varied, quality fast bowlers in conditions favouring them.

As for the batting, the loss of Mark Boucher leaves AB De Villiers carrying a big load. He is the best batsman currently on either side, but now has to keep for most likely the entire series. The batting line-up is based around four outstanding batsmen (Smith, Amla, Kallis, De Villiers) but has three ropey ones in Petersen, Rudolph and Duminy and these three England have to look to target. Despite conditions in his favour and a reputation as being a good player of spin Swann destroyed Duminy last series between the two sides. Both Rudolph and Petersen have good records in county cricket but both really need to nail down their spots otherwise SA might feel inclined to look at younger, fitter, more-Faf Du Plessis shaped batsmen in the future.

Ultimately I can't see Morkel bowling well enough in English conditions for South Africa to put enough pressure on England and I see England having the better of the series. That said South Africa will win a test and I find it hard to predict anything other than a 1-1 draw with England having the better of the drawn Test. However, if Morkel can provide more than 15 wickets for SA, another victory on English soil could be theirs

Prediction - 1-1
England Player of the Series - Ian Bell
South Africa Player of the Series - Dale Steyn

Lions 2009

Loosehead Prop

This has looked like a two horse race for a long time before the Autumn Internationals. With respect to Marcus Horan and Alan Jacobsen, both players who are comfortably holding on to their country’s shirt, this is between Gethin Jenkins and Andrew Sheridan. Sheridan was probably shading the race before England’s disaster and his own injury, and Jenkins stepped up for Wales. Jenkins is the front runner now but nothing is settled between the two, and with both having injury problems, with the likelihood of five props being taken, Horan and Jacobsen should keep up the pressure for a tour spot.

Hooker

This looks like a tough position to predict, and a weakness for the Lions. Ireland still seem to be playing silly buggers with their hookers, with Best, Flannery and Jackman all competing to be the hooker in green at the 6N. Lee Mears seems to have seen off Dylan Hartley for the moment, but he hardly set the world alight in the autumn, and questions will remain about how he would handle the doubtless physical South African pack. Matthew Rees seemed to be unable to hit a barn door with his throwing against Australia, which doesn’t breed confidence.

This leads to the man who now may well be the Lions hooker come 2009. Ross Ford is not a great player, but he is improving quickly, and extra sessions with Shaun Fitzpatrick can only help his cause. He hits his jumpers and makes a nuisance of himself around the field, and he may be the best of an average bunch. Ford and Mears can expect to go on tour, with the third hooker being a bit of a toss-up at the moment. I’ll stick with Best as he is most likely to start for Ireland.

Tighthead Prop

With England’s insistence on keeping Matt Stevens on the bench behind the dilapidated Phil Vickery, this spot is somewhat up for grabs. Euan Murray seems to be the man pushing forward, quite literally with his strong scrummaging, which is a plus going to the land of the scrummage. Murray can expect to tour at the moment and only needs an average 6N to book his ticket.
Stevens, on the other hand, needs to get into the England side. Adam Jones is looking like a strong candidate to go on tour, and the fifth prop they take is likely to see someone along the lines of John Hayes or Phil Vickery picked ahead of him on the basis that they will be a good member of the tour party. McGeechan knows the importance of players gelling, and a popular guy like Hayes would help this process, particularly with the mid-week side. Stevens versatility is at the moment the only thing keeping him ahead at the moment, but if he spends the 6N on the bench, expect John Hayes to go to South Africa.

Second Row

If Paul O’Connell can walk in May he will tour, and if he can run in July he’ll play all Three Tests. Donnacha O’Callaghan can feel pretty sure of joining him on the tour, as can Alun Wyn-Jones. Both players would need a serious drop in form not to be on the tour. Assuming that only four locks go with extra cover being needed in the specialist positions, it looks to be a race between a collection of average locks from England and Nathan Hines. At the moment it’s a bit of a lottery but you’d have to go with Steve Borthwick by default due to experience, but it would be no surprise if he weren’t the one chosen.

Openside

There is a wealth of talent at this position, and each gives a different flavour, from the experience of Martyn Williams and David Wallace to the up and coming talent of Tom Rees and John Barclay. Michael Lipman makes for an interesting fifth but Rees seems to be Martin Johnson’s choice and that will keep him ahead in the Lions pecking order. Williams will certainly tour, and probably start the first Test, but he is not that far ahead of Wallace and Rees. Rees really needs to kick on and nail down the England shirt, and David Wallace needs to play well every game rather than just 2 in every 3. I’d give the momentary edge to Wallace, due to the amount of high pressure Heineken Cup rugby he has played, but a good 6N for Rees will see him tour.

Blindside and No. 8

The modern view is that these positions are interchangeable, and it seems to strike true with a number of players being able to play both positions. Ryan Jones is another Welshman who can keep his summer free ready for Lions duty, but after that it all gets very sticky. If Andy Powell plays the 6N like he did this autumn he will definitely tour, and deserve to. That just leaves the small matter of Ali Hogg, Jason White, Alisdair Strockosch, Simon Taylor, Alan Quinlan, Jamie Heaslip, Stephen Ferris, James Haskell, Tom Croft, Nick Easter, Jordan Crane, Lewis Moody, Dafydd Jones and Jonathan Thomas with a chance of making the tour.

Haskell you would expect to do enough to go, if he stops this frustrating petulant streak in his game. If we assume he nails his spot, expect Jason White to tour. Former Scotland captain, popular with the Scots players and popular with Sale. That makes him an ideal candidate for mid-week captain.

Scrum-Half

Mike Blair is Scotland captain for a reason – he is their best player and a good leader. Picking a Lions side now would see him amongst the first five names on the team sheet. After that, and assuming that three specialist scrum halves are taken, it gets close. Danny Care shows moments of brilliance followed by moments of madness, but if he irons those out with more international rugby he will tour as an explosive bench option. Mike Phillips would have toured a year ago, but injury has wrecked his season and will start the 6N as Wales third choice. Dwayne Peel is not the player he once was, and thus somewhat weirdly Gareth Cooper seems to be the lead Wales option. Ireland’s Thomas O’Leary and Peter Stringer have their limitations, and Eion Reddan seems to be out of favour with everyone. It is likely that the best Welsh number nine of the 6N will be the third scrum-half, and I’ll predict based on the adage that form is temporary and class is permanent. Dwayne Peel will tour.

Fly-Half

This autumn was the chance for the new fly halves of the Northern Hemisphere to bury the ghost of Wilkinson for once and forever, to show that they too could win games under pressure against the big boys. And they blew it. His limitations have been exposed, particularly his passing, but everyone is world knows it. With ten minutes to go and the scores tied, there is no one you’d want at ten rather than Jonny Wilkinson. If he’s fit, he goes to South Africa. He won’t necessary be in the side, but he scares the Southern Hemisphere sides, and he would lift the squad.

After that, expect two races for two more positions. One of the experienced heads, Steven Jones and Ronan O’Gara, and one from the youngsters: - James Hook, Danny Cipriani and Toby Flood. Phil Godman and Dan Parks can book their holidays now. Jones looks a long way ahead of O’Gara at the moment, starting ahead of Hook and in a winning side. Hook will do well with the Ospreys but needs to ultimately displace Jones to get a spot on the tour, but he is versatile. Who knows what Cipriani will have done over the next eight months, but decent form will see him ahead of a benched Hook.

Centres

Brian O’Driscoll is a great player, solid in defence and dangerous in attack. He won’t get the captaincy he wishes for, but will tour and will almost certainly start. Gavin Henson is a preening tosser, but a 6N of the rugby he is capable of will see him into the Lions side. The bench players are far harder to pick out of a crowd. Nick de Luca is superb for Edinburgh and terrible for Scotland. Riki Flutey and Jamie Noon struggle for England, Luke Fitzgerald struggles for Ireland and Shane Horgan’s career seems to have finished. The door is open for Tom Shanklin, and he should take the opportunity. The fourth centre, expect someone capable, but more so someone who will keep the peace and tour well. Mike Tindall’s England career looks finished, but a Lions tour spot is not beyond him.

Wingers

For anyone not watching rugby over the past twelve months, the flash looking, gobby looking midget on the Wales left wing has got seriously good. There would be a riot in Wales if Shane Williams didn’t start the first test, and whilst he’s not guaranteed a spot in the side, he would have to be biblically bad to not make the tour. Paul Sackey looked a safe bet before the autumn, but offered little. Mark Jones is functional, but won’t scare Bryan Habana into sleepless nights. David Strettle seems to be made out of polystyrene. Ugo Monye may never play for England again.

Of the Lamont brothers, Shaun is a better player and will compete hard for a spot, but will probably fall short. Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney however, both have a strong chance of going. Given that Bowe can play centre as well, I would expect him to tour. If Strettle happens to be fit at the time of the tour, he should go as an amazingly exciting runner – for Paul Sackey, form is everything. Recapture the form of last year, and he’ll be in South Africa. Assuming he does, and that Bowe goes on the basis of his versatility, it leaves one spot after Williams, Strettle, Sackey and Bowe. Jones and Kearney will battle it out, and expect the young Irishman to claim a spot on the basis of a strong 6N and a strong Heineken Cup.

Full-Back

Lee Byrne and someone else – he’s playing well enough to have made it the case. Delon Armitage has grabbed his opportunity with both hands, but has only played 4 tests in a bad side and needs some more experience. Girvan Dempsey has that experience, but moves slower than an oil tanker captured by Somali pirates, and won’t tour. Geordan Murphy can’t seem to work out tackling. Chris Paterson had a chance to firmly capture the second slot, but broke his face. Between Paterson and Armitage, but Paterson’s goal kicking will see him be the fifteen for the mid-week side.

Captain

Ryan Jones won a Grand Slam. Paul O’Connell won the Heineken Cup. Tana Umaga and Kevin Meelamu robbed Brian O’Driscoll of the Lions captaincy. None of them should captain the Lions. Jones is short of the form at the moment, O’Connell struggles in big games and his temper, and O’Driscoll’s moment has passed. It’s less likely than the Lions captain being John Terry, but the tough, gutsy and intelligent play of Mike Blair should see him lead the Lions.

Final Squad

Gethin Jenkins, Andrew Sheridan, Euan Murray, Adam Jones, John Hayes, Ross Ford, Lee Mears, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell, Donnacha O’Callaghan, Alun Wyn-Jones, Steve Borthwick, Martyn Williams, David Wallace, Ryan Jones, Andy Powell, James Haskell, Jason White, Mike Blair ©, Danny Care, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Cipriani, Gavin Henson, Brian O’Driscoll, Tom Shanklin, Mike Tindall, Shane Williams, David Strettle, Paul Sackey, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney, Lee Byrne, Chris Paterson.