Cricket: The nation with plenty in reserve

The Alternative Tourists XI

Dean Jones, captain

(Derbyshire)

Has already amassed 3,631 Test runs. Remains perhaps the best one-day batsman anywhere, still scampering singles like a 20-year-old. Has an abiding love affair with the game, is as hard as teak, refuses to give up and would lead, not to mention nurture, encourage, cajole and shout from the front.

David Boon

(Durham)

Retired from the international arena before the selectors made up his mind for him but let that fool nobody about his continuing proficiency. Has already had two massively successful England tours, is a menacing short leg and simply the way he chews gum must scare the pants off most opposing teams.

Matthew Hayden

(Hampshire)

As a 20-year-old in 1991 became the youngest Australian to make 1,000 runs in his first full season. Took an unforgettable catch leaping backwards in a one-day international at Lord's in 1992. Has not realised his potential in Test cricket so far but is a left-hander with all the strokes and some more.

Stuart Law

(Essex)

Led Queensland to their second Sheffield Shield title this year, making two half-centuries in the Perth final. Is happy in all conditions and since arriving last summer has amply demonstrated a profound passion for destroying all manner of English bowling quickly, ferociously and with unflagging desire.

Tom Moody

(Worcestershire)

The long fellow, unfortunate not to have played more than eight Test matches since he scored centuries in two of them, also has a continuing penchant for slaughtering bowlers here, beginning in 1990. He is a genuine all-rounder and the word "gigantic" invariably applies to his scores as well as his 6ft 7in frame.

Darren Lehmann

(Yorkshire)

Strong left-hander from South Australia whose reputation here might not be high - yet - but in 1996 he was the Shield's top scorer with 1,237 runs and has shown admirable consistency which in most other countries would have earned regular national selectorial attention instead of a mere three one-day appearances.

Shaun Young

(Gloucestershire)

Tasmanian colleague of Boon with whom he vies for looking as broad and impassable as a concrete dunny. He is another left-hander who gives the ball a huge wallop if it is in his territory and while his technique is flimsier than some he also bowls right arm at a deceptively quick pace.

Shane Lee

(Enfield)

With Somerset in 1996 he scored five Championship hundreds, usually at a blistering pace and was a joy to watch. Not retained this year and unwanted nationally, he is turning out for Enfield in Lancashire which does not diminish his capabilities one jot and at No 7 would pose all sorts of problems.

Geoff Foley

(Chester)

The 29-year-old Queenslander played an important part in the state's season, gave them a perfect platform early on against Tasmania and continued to contribute unfussy runs in the middle order. Has experience in England, being in second season with Chester of the Liverpool Combination.

Don Nash

(The Mote)

Tiro teenage fast bowler in England for the first time, playing club cricket in Kent, considered to be huge prospect by coaches. He spearheaded Australia Under-19s attack in Pakistan last winter and though these are early days he is fresh, vibrant and fast.

Shane Jurgensen

(Horsham)

Another young fast bowler urgently gathering intelligence in English conditions, attempting to extract pace and bounce from the pitches at Horsham. A former under-19 international, a product of the Aussie Academy, just 21, moved from Queensland to Western Australia to further ambition and is described by batsmen as decidedly slippery.