Decisions, decisions

I feel as if I need to get this one out of the way; everyone is talking about it, and lots of different people have lots of different opinions, so here's mine...

England's greatest captain (in my humble opinion) shocked us all at the end of last month by stepping down from all forms of cricket for his country. He did it in exactly the same fashion in which he conducted his whole career; professionally, maturely and with dignity.

But this post isn't about Strauss' career or his decision to retire, but about the void he leaves and how England fill it.

The most important question is: who opens the batting in India with the new England Test captain, Alastair Cook? Do you promote Jonathan Trott from three, Ian Bell from 5, trust the weight of county runs in Nick Compton or throw in the fearless youth of Joe Root?

Let's start from the top. If you promote Trott, then who is dependable enough to stride out into the fray during the evening session, one down, against a world-class attack and a swinging ball, and be as unflappable as Trott? Currently, in my opinion, nobody. So we move onto Bell. Technically one of the best batsmen in the world and could undoubtedly bat anywhere in the top six. But his experience in the middle-order is invaluable. He adds a vitally important steady-hand to combat the exuberance of the likes of Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor and Ravi Bopara. A middle order without him looks very fragile indeed. 20-2 could quickly become 50-5.

That leaves the two new boys, Root and Compton. The former is the only genuine opener of the two and certainly one for the future. But Nick Compton, at the age of 29, has earned his call-up and form would suggest you need look no further. But, perhaps there is a way you can find a spot for both of them in the line up?

An argument I've heard against selecting Root, is that it is a harsh baptism of fire against a strong Indian bowling-attack at home. A stadium fortress atmosphere Root certainly would not have combated before. But my argument is this: the last England opener to début in India was also aged 21, and he hasn't done too badly, has he?

England In A Spin...

Both teams had qualified for the 'Super 8' stage of the 2012 World T20 before they took to the field under the Colombo lights, but neither England or India were treating this one like a "dead-rubber".

The stage was set for these two heavyweights of the game to ignite the competition; unleashing fireworks and drama that the shortest form of the game offers in abundance. But one team didn't read the script.

England turned up to the Sri Lankan capital on Sunday night, but only in body, not spirit. The defending champions were made to look like a minnow by the heavily supported India, who crushed them with authority, ruthlessness and, above all, class.

So why did England fail so badly? There's only one answer...they cannot play spin.

Five of the top seven fell to spin. This stat would be frightening at the best of times, but a few added facts made this an extremely worrying one. Firstly, the pitch offered little for spinners, which was backed-up by England's decision to play seamer Bresnan instead of Samit Patel. Secondly, the spinning wicket-taking culprits for India were Chawla and Singh. Without wanting to offend anyone, these two shouldn't be capable of rattling through an England batting order like they did. There is no mystery there, no Warne-esque skill or Ajmal-like variety; for international batsmen, this should have been straight-forward.

This isn't the first time England's lack of ability to play spin has been highlighted in recent times. Both Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal in the tour to the UAE in January and Sri Lanka's Rangana Herath in the April tour can vouch for that.

Unless there is improvement for England, Flower and Co. must see this as a huge problem, especially with a Test tour to India looming; and you can guarantee that they will prepare spinner-friendly pitches in their own back yard. Even Eoin Morgan, who has been hailed as one of the best players of spin in the England squad, looked all at sea against India's placid tweak-duo.

Colombo expected fireworks, but the only ones provided were the crackers that went off when each England victim fell.

Let's not get too down-beat though, England didn't get to where they are without learning from their mistakes and improving weaknesses. They look to bounce-back against the West Indies in Pallekele on Thursday - but look out for wily 'offie' Sunil Narine, who was awarded IPL Player of the Tournament in his début season for Kolkata Knight Riders - there's certainly some mystery there...