England call up Ian Blackwell for the ODIs

[Raz]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cric...nd/4472600.stm


Giles to miss Pakistan one-dayers


England spinner Ashley Giles will fly home after the third Test against Pakistan for an operation on his hip.
Giles, who struggled with a cartilage problem in the second Test, is to have surgery soon to give him a chance of being fit for the spring tour of India.

He will be replaced in England's one-day squad by Somerset all-rounder Ian Blackwell.

"Blackwell has had opportunities with the one-day squad before," said chairman of selectors David Graveney.

"Since his appointment as Somerset captain he has had to take on extra responsibility, and we believe he is now better equipped to fulfil his undoubted potential at international level."

A big-hitting batsman at county level, Blackwell played 23 one-day internationals between 2002-03, averaging just 16.16 with the bat and taking 15 wickets.

But he passed 1,000 first-class runs in 2005, and was a key component in Somerset's Twenty20 Cup victory.

At the start of the season Blackwell made plain his ambition to return to the England side.

"Kevin Pietersen coming in has made it more difficult but I still think him, me and Andrew Flintoff can be in the same side," he told BBC Sport.

England also have a contingency plan in the event of captain Michael Vaughan missing next month's five limited-overs internationals because of his knee injury.

Ian Bell has been placed on stand-by as batting coverand Marcus Trescothick would again deputise as captain.

[z10]

good choice

Blackwell will be a dangerous batsman in our conditions

[Raz]

As a fan of big hitters its great to see Blackwell back who on his day can be more destructive than both Pieterson and Flintoff.

As a fan of Pakistan i hope he doesnt get going!!

[Raz]

Originally Posted by z10 good choice Blackwell will be a dangerous batsman in our conditions

He is the perfect super sub in my opinion for England.

[AT1]

fun fun fun!!

[Usman]

A few stats I put together about him:

Ian Blackwell: Somerset Captain

Batting style Left-hand bat
Bowling style Slow left-arm orthodox

First Class:
Batting- 39.19 with 16 hundreads and 29 50's
Bowling- 43.25 with 7 five wicket hauls and best of 7-90

List A:
Batting- 27.60 with 3 hundreads and 25 50's
Bowling- 35.65 with 1 five wicket haul and best of 5-26

One Day Internationals:
Batting- 23 matches with average of 16.16 with 0 hundreads and 1 50 and highest score 86.
Bowling- 15 wickets at 32.33 with 0 five wicket haul and best of 3-26

[Kashif]

This lefty can bat and hit the ball very hard. The one-day series is going to be fun.

[Abdul Qadir 236]

thanks for the stats Usman.
I hope Shaftab Khalid gets to develop at county level - he is a real prospect.
Blackwell looked very good in one day league - got good turn, was clever bowler and can hit the ball a long long way - ask Mushy!

[Amjid Javed]

blackwell maybe a handy cricketer in such conditions. a decentish hard-hitting lower order batsmen.

[Abdul Qadir 236]

I reckon Udal will be the 1st spinner anyway.

[Saj]

I dont rate Blackwells bowling match and to call him a spinner is being very generous in my opinion, but boy he can hit the ball and hit the ball far.