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Mark Ramprakash today urged England's management to pick him for the final Ashes Test next week while the other contenders for a spot all struggled with the bat.
There has been a clamour to see the 39-year-old veteran recalled following last weekend's humiliating defeat at Headingley.
Speaking ahead of Surrey's Pro40 game against Glamorgan at The Brit Oval this afternoon, Ramprakash said: "I have not spoken to [chief selector] Geoff Miller. I'm available. What cricketer wouldn't be? It's a wonderful showpiece.
"For it all to come down to a game at The Brit Oval... any player would accept that challenge and cherish being involved in such a match.
"It's something you'd remember for the rest of your career. A lot of speculation has been whipped up in the last week with the defeat at Headingley.
"I've been there before but I've always hoped my performances on the field will do my talking."
Ramprakash's three main rivals for a place in a revamped batting line-up - Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and Jonathan Trott - all failed to make their case for inclusion today.
Bopara, whose place in the England team is most under threat, could manage only one run for Essex at Lord's, while Bell and Trott fell for one and 15 respectively for Warwickshire at Trent Bridge.
Reader views (2)
Perhaps with 39 year old Mark Ramprakash being recalled OZ could pick Shane Warne age 39, Glen McGrath age 39, Adam Gilchrist age 37 and so and so on. The we could change the name of the Ashes Test series to the Masters Ashes Test series.
- Len, Perth Australia, 13/08/2009 02:07
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all the words written about the collapse of england will be entertaining the cricket gods. england are just as likely to repeat lords form. you can bet flintoff will not be feeling his knee and will be prepared to be stretchered off rather than bowl limply. that will be enough to stir on the england team, that and and poor bowling from the australians. that is likely even though johnston has hit some form. much more even than the negative english press are making of the oval result.
- Pnankivell, quirindi australia, 13/08/2009 00:42
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