Only a mini rant...

Evening all, just a small blog tonight as its fairly quiet at present.

Thanks for the comments and e mails re last night's piece. Peter raises an excellent point re players in franchise teams - will they HAVE to play in the teams of the franchise around the globe? Could Robin Peterson be seen in Victoria's side and Chris Rogers in the Cobras?

I don't know, but one would imagine if this goes the distance that it is a natural consequence. I still don't think Buck is a natural T20 player, but it is hard to see him do anything but open this season with either Madsen or Peterson (unless we sign someone else...)Given he doesn't play 20 over matches for Victoria he's unlikely to be chased by other sides for that format, but the principle is the issue, rather than individuals.

Anyway, rant time. The England Lions won against Pakistan A today by a distance, thanks to the precociously talented Craig Kieswetter. For me, he's the next England wicket keeper and will be a tremendous asset. Matt Prior will have to stay on top of his game because, irrespective of his South African background, this lad will be in the England team inside two years.

My issue with the side today is Sajid Mahmood and Steve Kirby. No problem with either as players and you wouldn't say no to them at Derby, but why are they in the Lions? If we don't know everything about them now, we never will. I would be very surprised if either got into the first choice side again, so why not blood Steve Finn of Middlesex, or more to the point, Graham Wagg?

Waggy is younger, fitter, bowls in two styles, can score quick runs and field brilliantly. We don't know if he can cut it at a higher level, nor are we going to if they don't pick him. Mahmood will be 29 next birthday, Kirby 33, Wagg 27.

I know which one I would want in my team.

He plays for Derbyshire, if you need a clue.