If England decide they must pick their best available side, then the Stewart will be picked. Thirteen years after he won the first of 126 Test caps, the Surrey veteran remains head and shoulders above every other batsman-keeper in the country. But youth is not on his side and James Foster or Chris Read both have decent claims.
The one spare batting slot would appear to rest between Ashes tourists John Crawley and Robert Key. Both men had their moments, good and bad, but Key, 24, may win over
Crawley, 31, although both should make the squad. Jim Troughton and Will Jefferson deserve serious consideration.
Possible squad: M Vaughan, M Trescothick, M Butcher, N Hussain (capt), R Key, J Crawley, A Stewart (wkt), A Flintoff, A Giles, A Caddick, J Anderson, M Hoggard, S Harmison.
Tickets are still available for the First Test at Lord's - phone >08705338833.
