England's bowling attack

Is it just me or do England have a seriously good looking attack on display in the current Test match? Speed-wise, even the most skeptical of cricket fans would have to admit it's impressive. Steve Harmison, Andrew Flintoff, James Anderson and, to a slightly lesser extent, Stuart Broad are all genuinely capable of the odd delivery in excess of 90 mph and they give the captain a wealth of options.

Harmison is painfully erratic and may well be a spent force but he is still capable of rattling his opponents, even if his days are becoming increasingly numbered. Flintoff is as reliable and dangerous as ever and Broad is a developing into a threatening force, fresh from his maiden five wicket haul in Jamaica last week. Jimmy Anderson, like Harmison, can be inconsistent but his pace is an asset and he can be a genuine strike bowler, especially when the ball is swinging (anyone remember 7-43 against New Zealand in Nottingham?).

But the decision to replace Monty Panesar with Graeme Swann could also be the most important one. Panesar's recent struggles are heavily documented and he was out-bowled by Swann during England's toiling in India. Swann's ability with the willow also means England can potentially bat down to 9, so if he can turn it on with the ball in the way that Panesar hasn't been able to for a while, then England will surely be forced to give him a run in the side.

Far be it from me to play the role of England selector, but the current bowling attack would probably be my first choice to play when the Aussies come to town in July. I would allow a bit of room for change over the spinner, as Panesar, for all his troubles, is capable of being dangerous but if you pinned me down and asked me for a set of names, then I'd be happy to give you this lot. It's harsh on Ryan Sidebottom but he'd always be in contention to play, dependant on the conditions. The same goes for Simon Jones, although he may or may not ever be fit again.

Thoughts - would anyone rather see Monty back? Is there still life in Harmison? Answers on a postcard please.

(The Corridor, 2009)