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England's selectors have finally moved on and broken up the 'old pack' for the first Test against the West Indies starting today.
This is a good sign for the team which has been struggling over the past few months through poor performances and controversies.
The inclusion of pacemen Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan will add a bit of freshness to the team. England have been patient with some of their fast players for too long. Steve Harmison deservedly gets the axe as he is a pale shadow of his old self.
The fast bowler needs to work hard at the county level now and prove that he still is a force to reckon with.
Ignoring Michael Vaughan is a good step towards the future. At 34, the injury-prone Vaughan does not have much time and his sketchy form would surely keep a promising player out.
Ian Bell is back in form but the selectors wisely opted for Ravi Bopara who did well in the solitary Test he played in the West Indies. The Essex all-rounder needs a longer run to cement his place in the side and he must grab this chance that has come his way.
England are, of course, looking forward to the Ashes and experimenting now against the West Indies. But they must beware the West Indies.
The team is riding a resurgence wave and must not be taken lightly. England have to remember that they lost the series in the West Indies recently and pride will be at stake.
The West Indies have not got off to a good start to the tour. Their captain Chris Gayle has been playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa and has not performed up to expectations.
The West Indies may well be vulnerable in the first Test. The wicket at Lord's will help the fast bowlers and England may opt for an all-out pace attack.
England have their best chance to capitalise. Their batting looks far more secure with captain Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood scoring loads of runs in the West Indies.
Kevin Pietersen was in patchy form in the West Indies and his scores in the IPL were disappointing. But Pietersen is a great competitor who will bounce back sooner rather than later.
Luckily for the West Indies, Fidel Edwards has continued his good run in the IPL. He is fast turning into a menacing bowler and will pose a major threat for the home team.
Jerome Taylor will hopefully return to good form after a long layoff due to injury. If both Edwards and Taylor are on song, they may well make the England batsmen dance.
Now with Darren Powell condemned to the cold storage for a while, West Indies will give Lionel Baker a run. Baker seems to be a steady bowler who can add consistency to the attack.
If the Lord's pitch plays true to its nature this year, then a mouth-watering Battle of the Fast Men awaits.
