Kevin Pietersen's men could soon be an awful lot richer. We profile England's squad for the Stanford Super Series.
We profile the players taking part in the Stanford Super Series
Kevin Pietersen's men could be an awful lot richer by next month should things go to plan in the Caribbean in the coming days. We profile England's squad for the Stanford Super Series.
Kevin Pietersen
England's best batsman now has the added the responsibility of captaincy in all three forms of the game - but rather than it be a burden, he appears to have thrived on the added pressure. A century and a victory in his maiden Test in charge at The Oval against South Africa - the country of his birth -
was followed by a thumping 4-0 victory in the one-day series. Despite a modest international Twenty20 average of 27.92 in 14 appearances, expect Pietersen to be at his flamboyant switch-hitting best.
James Anderson
The Lancashire seamer is still striving for consistency. Followed up a fine Test series against South Africa in the summer - where he picked up 15 wickets - with a disappointing showing in the NatWest series. Anderson's ability to swing the ball is a vital component in England's attack, but he is a relative Twenty20 novice.
Ian Bell
One of a few England players to firmly establish themselves in all formats of the game. Despite his obvious talent, questions mark still remain over Bell's ability to convert starts into match-turning hundreds. Bell's temperament has seen him opening the innings in a limited-overs anchor role, and he made an unbeaten 60 in a Twenty20 international win against New Zealand.
Ravi Bopara
A confident top-order batsman who can also chip in with some handy medium-pace - but has yet to transfer his precocious talent from the domestic game into the international arena. Capable of some explosive shots - as demonstrated by an unbeaten 201 off 138 balls, including 18 fours and 10 sixes, in a Friends Provident Trophy match against Leicestershire.
Stuart Broad
Suffered the ignominy of being hit for six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh at the ICC World Twenty20 - but whereas some players might have struggled to bounce back, the resolute Broad is made of stern stuff. Tall and capable of extracting bounce, he first caught the eye in domestic Twenty20. With his excellent lower-order batting, Broad seems to relish the big stage.
Paul Collingwood
A gritty performer whose place in the side is less secure following his decision to step down as one-day captain. Collingwood is a 'finisher' who consistently bats well with the tail as well as bowling useful medium-pace - but he will be under pressure to perform with the emergence of a several talented all-rounders.
Alastair Cook
A technically-correct left-hander, Cook has generally struggled to convert his impressive Test performances into limited-overs cricket. His record in both domestic and international Twenty20 cricket - 74 runs in seven innings - means he will probably provide back-up to more explosive hitters.
Andrew Flintoff
After being troubled by injury over the past few years, doubts remained over whether England's talisman would ever reach the heights again. But the lion-hearted 'Freddie' came roaring back to his best and was named man of the series in England's 4-0 ODI win over South Africa, after impressing with bat and ball. The all-rounder is a genuine world-class performer capable of turning a match in England's favour.
Steve Harmison
Following a successful return to international colours at The Oval against South Africa, the Durham fast bowler was persuaded by Pietersen to come out of one-day retirement against the Proteas. England's most attacking bowler, Harmison has fond memories of his last trip to the Caribbean where he helped England to an emphatic Test series victory over the West Indies.
Samit Patel
The Nottinghamshire all-rounder has not looked out of his depth in his short international career. His slow left-arm brought him five for 41 in England's third ODI against South Africa at The Oval, when he also contributed a handy 31 with the bat. Expected to vie with county team-mate Swann for a place in the side, but his ability with the bat may give him the edge.
Matt Prior
The Sussex wicketkeeper starts the winter as England's first-choice gloveman in limited-overs cricket, after he was restored to the side against South Africa in the summer. Prior's ability with the bat has never been in question, and his performances behind the stumps - combined with increased maturity - will give him an early chance to press his claims for a recall to the Test side.
Owais Shah
A stylish and classical batsman, Shah seemed to be permanently on the fringes of the England side - having struggled to shed his 'nearly man' tag - but now he seems set for a run in the team. The elegant right-hander has a good Twenty20 pedigree, and Pietersen is a known fan - particularly in limited-overs cricket - and has challenged Shah to make the number three spot his own.
Ryan Sidebottom
The left-arm seamer has recently endured a tough spell in international cricket, having returned to the side under Peter Moores in 2006 following a near six-year exile. Lacked penetration at times against South Africa this summer and has had difficulties with injury. But at his best, Sidebottom is still England's most consistent performer - and his accuracy has brought him success in Twenty20 cricket.
Graeme Swann
Returned to the one-day side almost eight years after his debut, and the off-spinning all-rounder has an impressive domestic Twenty20 CV with 45 wickets in 37 matches, while averaging just under 20 with the bat. Bowled well in his three Twenty20 internationals for England and will rival Nottinghamshire team-mate Patel for a place in the side.
Luke Wright
Enjoyed a memorable start to his one-day international career, hitting 50 off 52 balls on his debut against India at The Oval - but struggled to repeat that success in the ICC World Twenty20. A talented all-rounder but yet to really establish his role in the side - and with the return of Flintoff, he could well find himself down the pecking order.
