Unconvincing Cook a major gamble

I am very unconvinced by the selection of Alastair Cook in the one-day and Twenty20 squads - it represents a huge gamble from England.

It is nothing but a risky move from the management and he has to show something in a coloured England shirt that he has not shown before.

I saw him hit a good century in the Twenty20 Cup for Essex against Surrey this season and was impressed, but he has never looked authoritative enough for England in the limited-overs formats.

Can he really step up at international level and take bowling attacks apart such as South Africa's? I do not think so.

He is still a relatively young lad and England continue to throw him forward - I think they could well be asking too much of him.

If England earmark him to open the batting then he has to play with real freedom and not be remotely cautious - it is the problem area for Andrew Strauss's side.

England have always struggled with their slow starts in limited-overs cricket and to have Cook opening will put big pressure on him to play in a manner which does not come naturally to him.

Cook has to take a very different approach mentally and leave his natural instincts at the door, only then will his selection be vindicated.

I am pleased that Sajid Mahmood has been handed another opportunity as he has a lot of potential.

A few years ago he was incredibly raw but since then he has added a bit more class to his bowling, which has really helped.

Previously he was too blunt and just an out-and-out fast bowler, but now he has good variations and a better grasp of how to bowl in different conditions.

Mahmood should become a good asset for England and I think he has a future in the Test side too if he can perform in the one-dayers.

He is one of the few bowlers on the county circuit who bowls seriously quick and if he can become a more confident performer then South Africa will be scared of him.

It is, of course, one thing bowling with good potency in domestic cricket, but he certainly has the tools to take that into England's winter tour.

The selection of Jonathan Trott is also a tough one because he will have a huge level of expectation on his shoulders.

He is set for a very vociferous reception by the South Africa supporters, much like Kevin Pietersen experienced in 2005.

Can Trott handle that as well as KP did? England's selections have thrown up more questions than answers, but Cook, Mahmood and Trott all need to make their mark, and quickly.

Courtesy: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com