29 Quotes by David Graveney

The selectors also considered Alex for the Test squad - and although he's not been included on this occasion, he made a good impression in Pakistan and is one of a number of spin bowlers we have chosen on the A tour.

Although we lost the series, there were some encouraging individual performances from players who are new to test cricket and we are keen to continue their development.

Darren would like to make it clear that he has not decided to retire from one-day international cricket and the selectors fully understand his reasons.

Darren asked the selectors not to consider him for the tour of Pakistan for personal reasons and we respected his wishes. With Liam Plunkett and James Anderson performing well in Pakistan and Simon Jones now available for selection again, the selectors feel the priority is for these players to gain as much experience of one-day cricket as possible ahead of the World Cup.

Then we had a change halfway through. It hasn't been a subject that has cropped up in my discussions - which have mainly been about support for Michael - or whatever discussions I've had with Duncan when I've made contact with him in India.

The A tour runs simultaneously with the main tour and will be regarded as the next best players available.

It will not be easy - but he's done it before and he is the right guy.

In choosing our Test squad we wanted to show faith with the same group of players who have performed extremely well for England over the past two years. Although we lost the series, there were some encouraging individual performances from players who are new to Test cricket and we are keen to continue their development.

I hope Michael does get in. We have no input into it but I was disappointed Duncan Fletcher missed out as he is coach of the second-best side in the world.