I was always in favour of the Cook, Bell, Trott 1-2-3 when others felt it was too conservative. However after watching today's game, it is obvious that we will never win a world cup abroad unless we are prepared to bring a faster scorer into 1, or perhaps even 2 of those slots. By playing Root, we are just slowing down his career progression. The best thing he could do is get away from the national side and play domestically for a year. Letting him go out there against international bowlers when he is so out of form isn't doing anything for his mental state.
The possibilities for the top order, based on performances last year, seem to be Kieswetter, Wright, Davies, Cobb. The other one who didn't have such a good season in the pro 40 but has impressed in the t20's is Alex Hales. I would personally have Pietersen opening with Cook, and then depending on the conditions and the opposition, have Bell or Wright batting at 3. Interesting to hear the Big Bash commentators discuss the fact that they couldn't understand how Wright isn't in out one day plans. Seems to be rated quite highly down under.
The other area missing in the team that will often win you tournaments is either a mystery spinner, a fantastic death bowler or a really quick bowler. Most decent sides have one of those, but we don't. Looking around the country, we certainly don't have the first option and I haven't seen anyone on sky bowl really good death overs that weren't overseas players like Alfonso Thomas or Azurullah. Therefore, I think it might be time to pick somebody like Overton or Mills. Overton preferably, as I think Mills would be too expensive. I suppose Finn could be that turn to bowler if he can get his action and head right.
