Form all that counts for Flower

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A bold set of picks for the first npower Test against West Indies at Lord's highlighted that performances alone will dictate team make-up under Flower.

Ian Bell and Owais Shah were overlooked for failure to hit big scores last winter and Steve Harmison was bypassed in the bowling stakes despite a glut of injuries to potential rivals.

Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has been selected to fill the number three position after hitting a hundred against the West Indians in Barbados last month.

The 12-man party of enterprising choices also includes uncapped pace-bowling pair Tim Bresnan and Graham Onions as back-up to the established James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

"Obviously there are three or four players in with a chance at number three," said national selector Geoff Miller.

"Michael, we need to see get a few more runs in county cricket, Ian Bell has had a tremendous start to the season but we need him to get even more passionate about getting into the side so that when he does get back in, he doesn't lose his place again.

"We are looking for 11 players to take on the Aussies and this is a chance for Ravi to show what he can do.

"We really feel he has got international qualities and it is up to him now to cement his place."