Can Luke Wright deliver in test cricket?

One of the most fascinating aspects of England’s winter tour to South Africa is going to be how Luke Wright performs. The Sussex all-rounder has been picked in the test squad for the first time and it is fair to say that not everyone is convinced that he has what it takes to succeed in international cricket’s toughest form.

First of all, let us look at what he has achieved so far for England. In 25 One-Day-Internationals, he has scored 404 runs at an average of 22.44 and taken 7 wickets at an average of 49. Not exactly the greatest statistics, I’m sure you will agree.

However, Wright has something about him that the selectors like and I can see why. He is enthusiastic, he is athletic, he is hard-working, he is up for any challenge and he makes things happen. Whether it be a quick-fire 30, a superb catch or a lively bowling spell, he has the ability to change games.

As far as the statistics go, they are irrelevant at this stage. If we used only them to judge how influential / successful a player can be, Flintoff would never have been considered the true great he is. England need a ‘Flintoff-like’ player who can make things happen and Wright has his chance to fill the void.

The initial question I suppose, is whether he will actually be in the starting eleven against South Africa this winter. Where does he fit into the side? Well, I would imagine it would be batting at No.7 and acting as an extra seamer. Almost like for like in terms of Freddie’s role.

So, in theory England’s line-up could be – Alistair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Paul Collingwood, Matt Prior, Luke Wright, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Graeme Onions.

To me, this looks good. It is balanced, the batting line-up looks solid and there isn’t a bad fielder amongst them. Something which counts for a lot more than you realise in terms of Englands test cricket betting odds. Obviously it means that Wright is taking on a big role in the team, but he is an exciting cricketer and he deserves a go.