I mentioned this in passing in the Ashes thread but everyone studiously ignored me. I neglected to mention Jonathan Batty in my recent England keepers article and now I think it might have been an oversight.
He has averaged 60 over the last 2 seasons (I think!) opening the batting for Surrey and, whilst he's 32, would still be younger in 2009 than Gilchrist is now. It's clear that neither Read or Jones (or Prior or Foster etcetera) are good enough so why not go for the guy mentored by Alec Stewart.
Experienced, can bat against the new ball, England don't have enough Surrey players. How many more reasons could we want?
Anyhow until more sane people here bring me to my senses he's going into my sig...
He has averaged 60 over the last 2 seasons (I think!) opening the batting for Surrey and, whilst he's 32, would still be younger in 2009 than Gilchrist is now. It's clear that neither Read or Jones (or Prior or Foster etcetera) are good enough so why not go for the guy mentored by Alec Stewart.
Experienced, can bat against the new ball, England don't have enough Surrey players. How many more reasons could we want?
Anyhow until more sane people here bring me to my senses he's going into my sig...