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Geoff Miller has admitted England are taking a huge gamble by picking uncapped Jonathan Trott for the decisive Ashes Test because they have no idea if he can cope with the pressure.
Despite England's disastrous performance in the Fourth Test at Headingley - which levelled the series at 1-1 and means Andrew Strauss's men need to win at The Brit Oval this week to regain the urn - the selectors resisted the temptation to make many changes.
Struggling Ravi Bopara has been left out of the squad, meaning South African-born Trott is likely to bat at No4, with Ian Bell returning to No3.
But selector Miller's admission that he is in the dark about Trott's temperament makes the decision to leave out Kent captain Rob Key, who has played 15 Tests and is known for his calm approach to batting, even more puzzling.
"I can't tell how people handle pressure," said Miller. "We never know. That's always the £1million question. We can see what they're like technically and physically, and hopefully mentally, too, but you're never sure how they will react to it.
"He's a strong character in the form of his life, and I think he will probably handle it very well."
Trott has scored 1,013 runs for Warwickshire at an average of 92 this season. He was included in the squad for the thrashing at Headingley, and cemented his place in the batting line-up for The Oval by scoring 121 against Nottinghamshire last week.
Yet Trott's international experience is limited to two Twenty20 internationals against West Indies in 2007. There is no doubt that Australia's famed sledgers will have him in their sights, as batsman Mike Hussey all-but admitted. "It is a huge step-up from first-class to Test cricket, no question," said Hussey. "Everyone feels pressure in Test match cricket, no matter whether you've been playing for 10 years or two games.
"That's particularly true in an Ashes series, and particularly coming into a very, very important Fifth Test. He'll certainly know all about it.
"We've not seen a hell of a lot of him. He's got a lot of confidence, and it looks like he's been around for a while so he understands his game well. But there is more pressure on England because they have to win."
Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has been brought back, but there was no recall for 39-year-old Mark Ramprakash, although Miller revealed he had spoken both to the Surrey batsman and former England opener Marcus Trescothick last week.
Trescothick was thought to have been tempted to play one last Test for his country, but instead decided to stay in international retirement, which he announced in 2008 due to a stress-related illness.
Meanwhile, England will today announce their squad for the two Twenty20 internationals and seven one-day matches against Australia, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, which runs from 22 September until 5 October.
The selectors must decide whether to include Kevin Pietersen or Andrew Flintoff in the party. Pietersen spent time in hospital last week after suffering a scar tissue infection after surgery on his Achilles tendon injury, while Flintoff may need a second operation on his right knee after the final Test.
England are also expected to rest some senior players for the one-day international against Ireland in Belfast on 27 August just after the conclusion of the Ashes.
England squad (Fifth Test v Australia, The Brit Oval, starts Thursday) A Strauss (capt), J Anderson, I Bell, S Broad, P Collingwood, A Cook, A Flintoff, S Harmison, G Onions, M Panesar, M Prior (wkt), R Sidebottom, G Swann, Trott.
Reader views (1)
The selectors need to wake up, its all about winning the last game, not looking after brusied egos. To not pick Key, say 'well we're not sure if Trott can handle it', and then intend to play Bell at 3 where he doesn't get runs unless he's coming in without pressure is bizarre. Its time we had some selectors with guts, who are not scared of making decisions based on form, who are in touch with the game, the county circuit and the players. We're going to lose to the ozzies and a great opportunity lost for 4 years. What a dissapointment, all that hype about 2005, no mention of the hiding and obvious short comings of 2007.....
The ECB needs to be brought to account, as the game generally is in poor condition, 20/20 has saved them, but the lack of crowds at county and international level tells you everything you need to know.
Will parents be getting their kids interested in cricket in the future, can't see it, the money isn't there through all levels, the ability is poor part from the top level and there are no crowds!
- Harsh But Fair, London
