It is obvious to all that county cricket is not producing enough test cricketers. But I will not get stuck in this very heated debate. There are too many Lord McLaurins as it is. But, indeed, change is needed. Be it drastic or gradual, it must be absolute.
Consistency is what is needed.
No doubt, even with a team full of great fielders, a consistent batting card and bowling line up and competent captain, England will find the going very hard. What I have set out above is not a solution to the problem, but it s a start. The English selectors are probably the most insecure bunch on the planet. In contrast, the South African selectors have often been criticised for being a tad conservative. Consequently, they can be a bit over confident at times and because of the consistency in team selection, the next generation of pacers like Hayward, Ntini, Telemacus and Elworthy have had little exposure at the highest level.