In order to get a better crop of young "Englishmen" we need more kids taking up the sport to increase the pool of talent. In order to do that we need more media exposure in areas where the game doesn't have a traditional fan base. In order to do that we really need England to do something against Australia and New Zealand and the only way we're going to do that is by picking the best players that are eligible. It's a smart move by Macca. I also like his efforts to try and get Dally Cherry Evans to play for England but i think he'll be swayed by the interest being shown by Queensland so it won't go anywhere.

Do you really think the kids that will have taken up cricket after the last ashes series give a toss that half the team are technically south africans?

How many of him is there, then?


Dunno. Maybe, "Wow, if I was an Aussie I'd need to be better than the Lockyers and Thurstons, thank god I'm English, now I only need to be better than Rangi Chase"?


But you're not a spokesman for "people", are you? Doesn't seem to have destroyed the support of teh English cricket team, and last I heard, Chelsea, Man Utd etc were getting half decent suppoirt with nary a European, let alone Englishman, within 10 miles of the building.



Because the idea is that you pick an eligible player on how good he is, and whether he is available, and not on who his grandparents were.

But given that you're Spanish, Bob, WTF business is it of yours?

currently there is an out and out aussie in the squad an out and out kiwi.

It will be interesting what these players do during the national anthem, I think they should be made to join in, as should the entire squad (rugby is usually better than football for this)

Who cares. I'm Welsh.

Why? I won't be.

You won't be what?

Joining in the national anthem.

Nope, Chase has lived here over 3 years and has clearly stated that this is now his home. You don't get to decide for him. Who's the "out and out Aussie", then? Presumably not Reed, who was actually born in Yorkshire? Maybe Heighington, then, but whose father - and thus 50% of his genes - is English? What exactly would be your definition of a qualifying player - perhaps someone who can trace both parents back at least 500 years of English blood, and who has never been more than 10 miles from the M62? Give me one convincing reason why someone born here can't play for his country of birth; or why a player born of (presumably) 2 parents cannot play for the country of origin of one of them, if that was England?

It may be interesting to you, but frankly I prefer them to play their hearts out rather than sing them. You seem to have a very jingoistic take on this. It's Test footy, not the bleedin' X Factor.

I expect 99% of England fans at the game to join in, together with the players.

Not saying it should be compulsory but, imo, I think it adds to the occasion and helps players mentally for the game ahead (unless your Morley, who wants to then go around close-lining everyone)

It shows the world that the players are proud to represent their country!

It's a bit of farce IMO. I thought the same when they picked Maurie whatever his name is. I appreciate that other sports have done similar but it just doesn't seem right to me. We might as well rename our national side the English SL and have done with it.

I, personally think you should only be able to play for a county that you have a passport for.

For example - if Heighinton (never quoted Reed, because that would be silly!) - could successfully apply for a passport (due to his parents nationality), and it arrives, then he's okay to play.

If players cared so much about playing for England, let them become citizens.

IMO, Rangi is not English because his passport states the obvious. If Rangi completes his time in the UK and obtains a passport then fine, no arguments. But to say your 'English' as you have spent the last 3 years in the county is a bit questionable.

Rangi will be playing for England, whilst having a visa, is that okay?

Next we will have Aussies/Kiwis coming over just to play in a test series, knowing they are not good enough to make the cut for their respective nations.

For the record - I do think he's a great player and will add something different. But just can't justify his selection. In a way, I just think that McNamara is 'Cheating' at his job.