If in doubt, pick a debutant...

The last 10 batsman or keeper-batsman debutants for England:

Trott (2009) 41 & 119
Ambrose (2008) 55 & 0
Bopara (2007) 8 & 34
Prior (2007) 126* & 21
Shah (2006) 88 & 38
Cook (2006) 60 & 104*
Pietersen (2005) 57 & 64*
Bell (2004) 70 & DNB
Strauss (2004) 112 & 83
G Jones (2004) 38 & 10*

1128 runs at an average of 75.20. 4 centuries and a further 7 fifties...

And then they start to go downhill......

Yeah, not all of them have fulfilled their initial promise which we have to remember when assessing Trott's performance. But new players are generally called up when they are in form, so it's fair enough to expect a number of them to do well. Selectors generally see it as a gamble but it's much more likely to succeed than sticking with an out of form player, as long as you don't use the tactic excessively.

I would have picked Carberry as well. However he's got Hampshireitis. You play for Hampshire, you get crocked or are very crockable.

So pick a new XI every game? Result!

You'd have to pick Div 2 players then wouldn't you....

Henry wrote:And then they start to go downhill......

You always fondly remember your first.

lardbucket wrote:

Henry wrote:And then they start to go downhill......

You always fondly remember your first.

Exes hardly ever seem to go downhill though, do they. Nothing worse than seeing an ex who seems to look miles hotter than when you dated her. Off-topic? Probably....

In recent times Fat Sam, little Jimmy Taylor, Jonny B, Compton, Carberry, and Morgan have rather ruined that average.

Henry wrote:

lardbucket wrote:

Henry wrote:And then they start to go downhill......

You always fondly remember your first.

Exes hardly ever seem to go downhill though, do they. Nothing worse than seeing an ex who seems to look miles hotter than when you dated her. Off-topic? Probably....

perhaps you only remember the ones of whom this is true

Sounds more like Henry was saying:

If you want an entry into high society, "pi"ck a debutante.

For the record:

Carberry 30 & 34
Morgan 44 & DNB
Patel 2 & 9
Bairstow 16 & 0*
Taylor 34 & DNB
Compton 9 & 37

So no debutant 50s from anyone since Trott. And the best career batting average for anyone to make his debut this decade? James Tredwell, with 37 in his one innings!