england make first mistake

Jones in action against New South Wales.

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By Dave Tickner

Ignore the disappointing performance against the Prime Minister's XI - that will have no bearing on the Ashes.

But the extraordinary decision to recall bumbling wicketkeeper Geraint Jones will.

His more talented rival Chris Read seems to have paid the price for a poor performance in the Champions Trophy.

On that basis, everyone apart from Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell should be dropped as well.

Jones' abysmal run of form in the Test side was allowed to continue about 10 matches too long as Duncan Fletcher fought to retain one of his favourites.

Eventually even Fletcher had to concede a wicketkeeper who can't catch or score runs had to go, and Read finally got his chance.

Read responded by keeping immaculately in the final two Tests against Pakistan and made very useful runs with the tail each time he batted.

Meanwhile Jones went back to county cricket with Kent. And scored hardly any runs.

Jones remains the better batsman despite his loss of form, but the gap is now much closer than it once was, with Read's hard work in the nets reaping benefits.

Fletcher feels Jones will be a better option at number seven, especially on Australian wickets. Well, yes, he will.

But he's not the better option with the gloves on with Monty Panesar spinning it sharply past the bat.

But, of course, that assumes Panesar - the most exciting young spinner in Test cricket - is going to play.

Like Read, Panesar is far better than his rival at his primary job, in his case bowling out opposition batsman with left-arm spin.

But Ashley Giles is a much better prospect batting at number eight, so expect Fletcher to compound his error and restore the 'King of Spain' on the same flawed logic that has seen Read jettisoned.