Lamb calls for changes for final Test

Phil Medlicott
Thursday 13 August 2009 10:34 BST
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Lamb thinks Trescothick should be recalled
Lamb thinks Trescothick should be recalled

Allan Lamb has called on England's selectors to make major changes for the final Ashes test by bringing both Marcus Trescothick and Mark Ramprakash back into the international fold.

The England side appears set for an overhaul after the humiliating defeat by an innings and 80 runs at Headingley which left the series with Australia all square at 1-1.

Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell have come in for the greatest criticism following the Headingley capitulation, with the likes of Surrey veteran Ramprakash and Kent captain Robert Key put forward as possible replacements for next week's decider at the Oval.

Somerset's Trescothick is the latest name to be mentioned 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 dismissed the suggestion that Ramprakash was too old to make an impact for England and urged the selectors to make contact with Trescothick and Key as well.

He said: "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."

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