England in Sri Lanka

[Lilly]

Early I know, but the test squad was announced last week with Olly Stone and Chris Woakes being named.

The one name that surprised me somewhat was that of Joe Denly. I do not want to say too much as he is currently batting against us and will undoubtedly go big now I am mentioning him, but I found it a strange selection given he is 32, has played in Division Two throughout his career, averages only around 37 and is only averaging 36 this season alone.

Was Bell overlooked? Has he retired without it being formally announced?

[GrizzlyBear]

Denly's selection sounds like having a bob each way. He bats a bit: he bowls a bit: let's have him in. Not the first bit of muddled thinking from the selectors.

What surprised me was to hear that the selection meeting would include Trevor Bayliss "by Skype". Seems he'd gone back to Australia as soon as the Test was finished. There were still two rounds of the CC to play which he could have used to get a look at some players outside the current England squad. Nah, couldn't be bothered.