In what will be the first of many discussions here on Trentbridge.co.uk, we will be tackling a number of cricket’s burning questions, before offering you the chance to offer an opinion in response.
This poll centres on England’s current plight in Australia. Following the poor performance in Adelaide last weekend, the visitors will be going into the third Test in Perth tonight knowing that this is their last chance to save the series.
Alastair Cook has been in poor touch, scoring very few while Antipodean counterpart Michael Clarke has been imperious. Kevin Pietersen has experienced similar problems, and Matt Prior's 69 in England's most recent innings is his first score of note this series.
As a result, figures in the cricketing world and media have been calling for changes to the England squad for the third Test. While outcry was expected following the first two results, much of the discussion has revolved around Nottinghamshire’s Graeme Swann, and whether he deserves to remain in the side at all.
After establishing himself as England’s first choice spinner, Swann was earlier named as the ICC’s Test Player of the Year following an excellent summer Ashes series. This winter, however, he has been met with difficult conditions and in-form batsmen ready to attack.
What is Andy Flower's next move?
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A number of names in the game have commented on England’s need for change, and specifically Swann’s role in proceedings. One time England captain Alec Stewart, was particularly critical of the Notts man’s performance.
“So far in this series, Australia's tactic of taking on the England off-spinner has been very successful,” he said in his BBC Column.
“At a venue like Perth, where spinners have traditionally struggled to make a major impact, England may be better served by going with a fourth seamer and relying on Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen to provide the part-time slow-bowling options.”
Certainly, Stewart makes a good case, the figures don’t make for pretty reading. But Swann is just one in a grossly underperforming side. Very few batsmen will be going into this Test with their heads held high, and England’s poor form goes deeper than just Swann’s spin.
"Swann is still England’s best spinner, no one else comes close." - Erik Petersen
So, in defence of Graeme Swann, local journalist and Trent Bridge stalwart Erik Petersen.
“England’s problems are many, and they’re shocking. To have the sheer gall to lay the blame at the feet of Graeme Swann is out of order," said Petersen.
“He has had a couple of below-par performances, but if that warrants dropping from the side then there will be six or seven new guys in the team tonight.
"Swann is still England’s best spinner, no one else comes close. There are people who could become the next Graeme Swann, but at this stage he has no replacement.”
England’s lack of replacements in the spin department is certainly a bone of contention, but is this a side lacking a strong plan B in every department?
The most worrying thing is England’s lack of a backup plan,” said Petersen.
“Andy Flower clearly works with exceptional preparation, but it seems there is a lack of reaction when things aren’t going their way.
“I don’t understand the current English mania with their bowlers’ height. It seems a bit odd for that to be one of the most important considerations, but they have picked the players currently in Australia.
“It’s up to England now to make the decisions they need to salvage some pride from the series. Graeme Swann is one man who can surprise you, and deliver.”
Here are two views on the matter, get in touch with us with yours, via facebook and twitter.