Owais Shah in line for call up

Following Marcus Trescothick's withdrawal from England's tour of India, it appears Vikram Solanki and Owais Shah are favourites to replace him.

Comically, Shah  too isn't fully fit following knee surgery (in the summer, I think, but I could be wrong). I've followed Shah's career since he captained the Under-19s in the 1990s; he is an extraordinarily talented batsman, although his method has changed a lot since I first saw him. He's become quite crab-like, and there's less of a flourish when he strokes fours.

Alastair Cook joined James Anderson as cover for England's beleagured squad. Cook was the bloke who smashed a double hundred for Essex against Australia in a tour game last summer. Now he is exceptionally well thought of, particular by Graham Gooch who knows a thing or two about opening the innings (and batting in general).

Depressing though these injuries are, they nevertheless open up opportunities for other players.

Will Luke writes for Cricinfo.com and edits The Corridor of Uncertainty