Friday, July 13, 2007

NEWS

US House votes for troop pullout
President Bush comes under more pressure as the US House of Representatives sets an Iraq pullout deadline.
Bush fights for time, new strategy
Iraqi politicians ponder US move
Update on Iraq benchmarks

Dont miss


It's the end of another week... Just how much do you remember about the headlines from the past seven days?
Test your knowledge of world news events in our quiz.
When you've got your result, why not e-mail the quiz to your friends to see how they measure up?

Question 1
What have scientists discovered 2,000 metres below the icecap in southern Greenland?
A: Butterflies
B: A mammoth
C: A Norse warrior

Question 2
An elderly woman was left bruised and bloody after an unexpected clash with US police regarding her garden in Utah. Why were police called to Betty Perry 's house?
A: She allegedly allowed marijuana plants to grow in a hedge
B: She failed to water her lawn
C: She refused to take down a group of garden gnomes

Question 3
"Despite all my years, this is the first time I've ever seen snow in ****." Where does this 82-year-old, who was speaking this week, live?
A: Buenos Aires
B: Johannesburg
C: Auckland

Question 4
Who has been selected to write a new James Bond book in honour of author Ian Fleming's centenary?
A: Michael Crichton
B: Sebastian Faulks
C: JK Rowling

Question 5
A Catholic School in Australia was at the centre of a row over a new pupil who had what they deemed was an inappropriate surname. What was it?
A: Sodom
B: Hell
C: Cruz-Cefix

Question 6
British forces in Iraq have been forced to deny rumours that they had released "ferocious" beasts into the Basra community. What were they?
A: Badgers
B: Red squirrels
C: Foxes

Question 7
One of the following was NOT selected as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in a global internet and phone vote. Which?
A: Chichen Itza in Mexico
B: The Colosseum in Rome
C: Stonehenge in England
Press the button and see how you have done

First among equals
David Beckham touches down in the US today to start at new club LA Galaxy. But can someone who is a class apart in talent, pay and fame ever really be part of the team?
When it comes to winning matches, the US soccer season is not going too well for LA Galaxy. As it prepares to unveil its latest signing on Friday it is languishing second from bottom in Major League Soccer's Western Standings.
It's a position the club has found itself in with disappointing regularity in recent years. However, its fortunes might just be about to change as its new signing is David Beckham.

The Beckhams introduce themselves He's being hailed as the team's saviour and on a contract reportedly worth £128m, nothing short of a miracle is expected of him. On the pitch however he will be one player out of 11 and, as any football coach will tell you, it's the team that wins games not individuals - even if they are Beckham.
But is it possible to build a successful team from one global superstar and a squad of relative unknowns, who play in a league compared by some to England's League One, in a country where football is way down the sporting agenda?
The contrasts are stark. Beckham is reported to be on 500 times the salary of some of his team mates, has captained his country in the World Cup and counts Tom Cruise as a close, personal friend.
His arrival has already had an "adverse effect" on the side, admits LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas.
Extreme
But while it is an extreme example, this is a situation ordinary workers find themselves in on a daily basis and more often than not it all works out, says workplace psychologist Gary Fitzgibbon.
"It is possible to successfully parachute in someone who is way above everyone else in terms of performance and ability. If handled properly that person can become a motivator for others, a role model.

Beckham US test "The real challenge for Beckham - possibly one of the toughest he has faced in his career - is to prove this move is about more than just money and celebrity status. The first people he needs to prove this to is the players."
It's how Beckham's arrival is handled by the club and by the player himself that's the key to success.
"The management should have already let Beckham meet his team mates, before the big media unveiling. This is so they can start to feel an affinity with him as a colleague, rather than a superstar who is remote and inaccessible.
"What Beckham needs to get across is that he doesn't just want to run around being admired by them, he wants to learn what their strengths and weaknesses are so they can play well together."
A posh package
It's a huge challenge but that's exactly what Beckham responds to, says sports psychologist Martin Perry.
"He has always risen to challenges throughout his career. He came back after the Argentina incident in the 1998 World Cup and recently fought his way back into the England squad. I don't think just cruising along as brand Beckham makes him happy.
"To be successful he doesn't have to become everyone's best friend, but he needs to get across his love and enthusiasm for the game. If he can bring players up to his level in terms of those qualities, then he could reach a point where the other stuff is quickly forgotten."

The media hype has already started But one thing his team mates will find tough to forget is the money he will earn. The MLS has a salary cap of about £1.1m a year per team, which limits the number of top players any one side can sign. Beckham's wages are excluded because he is the club's designated player, the single exception to the cap that each team is allowed. Any sensible manager might make the financial benefits filter down in other ways to his team mates.
"It's crucial the financial benefits cascade down from Beckham to all the team, if it's just one-way traffic then it will benefit no one - on and off the pitch," says Mr Perry. "There should be financial incentives such bonuses for winning matches. It will motivate everyone."
The former England captain seems to be aware of what is needed to make his move a success on the pitch. In a recent interview he said: "I'm not a player who will run past 10 players and score three or four goals. My game is about working hard and being a team player."
'Adverse effect'
But it's never just about David when it comes to the Beckhams. It's a "two for the price of one offer" with Posh as part of the package. One former England player says it's hard to become part of any team if you are a global brand like the Beckhams.
"With his own promotional commitments and those for the club, there's a good chance the other players won't see much of him at the training ground," says former England player Chris Waddle. "That's the place where a team is built, the place where you build relationships with other players.

Beckham hype gives Galaxy trouble
"It could be very frustrating for the rest of the them. They will probably be known as David Beckham's team and not LA Galaxy, which isn't good for team morale. They will be caught up in a media circus which they have had little experience of and probably won't enjoy."
He may have a point, the media frenzy is already in full flow.
The club's general manager Lalas says it is an environment, and situation, that none of our players have ever gone through before.
"It has had an adverse effect on us, but we need to get used to the situation," he adds.
Welcome to life with the Beckhams Mr Lalas.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Why can't people give the guy a chance before knocking him!!! Does he has to CONTINUALY prove himself. It is a fact that he was a pivotal part of a Manchester United team which won many trophies including the treple (EPL, FA CUP and EURO CUP). He returned from the nightmare of 98 world cup - when he had to endure death threats and see effergys - but produced the best from of his life. He has won the LaLiga playing for Real Madrid - probably the most celebrated club in world club football. He is the only English player to score in 3 different World Cup's. He had captained his country and recently forced his way back into the squad after being told he wouldn't play again. What else does the guy have to do!!!! YES he gets paid way too much - but then again so does James, A-rod and Manning. But if someone is willing to pay it, take it! YES - his wife is a little annoying - but they are celebrities and that is what the world created and they are only taking the opportunity given them (i bet the spice girls concerts in the US all sell out still!!). Mark my words.....Becks will prevail. He will come good here and be successful. LA will see an upturn in fortune and we can all look back to Beckham being the pivotal start point of it!!Glen, Maryland, USA
The photograph of Beckham and his wife posing in their skivvies tells all. His move to the US is nothing but media hype.Tony Storey, Sudbury, Canada
Beckham has the tendency to always come through obstacles positively and although this is a big one I think he'll do well. But there is only so well you can do in a 3rd rate league. How can one man change the footballing worlds perception of the MLS? If Cruyff, Beckenbauer and Pele couldn't do it then how can Beckham? He shouldn't be 'retiring' at this stage in his career.RM, Glasgow
No Man is worth that much. I agree that david is a fantastic player, but to place him like a God above everyone else, is a fool's way of spending money. Their hollywood status will soon fade after it is shown that the team will not succeed as expected and that David is not the be all and end all of Football( soccer)jon burow, portsmouth UK
LA Galaxy didn't sign Beckham just to spend money. They did it to raise their profile, make money and to imporive their on pitch performance. Brand Beckham will increase thier revenue and this plus his effect on the pitch will lead to salary increases for the team and so to better players and so to success.. and on and onAlexr, London UK
David Beckham was the England Squad, the only one who pulled on the shirt with 3 lions and played with pride and passion. He did this for Man Utd and Real and will do the same for LA Galaxy because he is a true professional football player - Good Luck David.Kay, Bracknell, England
Becks will be fine he is a quality player and when people begin to write him off he just comes back stronger take last season at real for example! I will be hoping that becks can continue to perform in the MLS and hopefully keep his England ambitions in tact. Good Luck Becks Scott Monteith, Leeds
I strongly believe an adverse effect will be the reation due to the rest of LA Galaxy feeling put out by the media attention and if things do not go to plan on the field fingers wil point at too much pressure placed apon players which do not have the ability which Beckham is used to playing alongside. You play as well as the team around you and i feel it will be a one season stay.dan m, Southampton
As an Englishman living in New York for the last 12 years, I think this is great news. Soccer in the US has come along way and Beckham will do well promoting the beautiful game over here.Andy Millar, Buffalo, New York USA
Whilst the expectations of David Beckham in the US my well be unrealistically high, we should remember that he is a player of world class ability and experience who is about to be playing in a league that doesn't even match up to The Championship here, let alone the Premiership. Anyone who doubts the gulf in standards should look at the impact that Juan Pablo Angel has had since his move from Aston Villa to New York Red Bulls earlier in the year. JPA has struggled to find any sort of form in the last two years, but made an immediate impact in the MSL, with 8 goals to his credit in just 10 matches the last time I checked. Will Beckham rescue LA Galaxy? No-one can possibly know. Will he stand head and shoulders above almost every player in the league? Almost certainly.Phil Coxon, Farnborough, Hampshire
However one point is missing is that in a fair number of American Sports and teams, there always seems to be a 'key' player, playmaker , superstar , hall of famer etc. The only difference here is that David Beckham was not born in the USA.Leslie Jarrett, Slough, Berkshire
I really have had enough of hearing about the Beckham "brand". They're not a type of baked beans, although they may share similar IQ levels. This move is a blatant attempt to "raise his profile" - or more to the point, his wife's - in America, which is pathetic, quite frankly. I daresay the team only signed him to raise their own profile, and will probably make up the money on merchandise, eg shirts with his name on them. The whole thing is a prime example of the financials cynicism which is destroying "The Beautiful Game" today.Douglas Daniel, Glasgow, Scotland

Sports news

Hammers angry at Tevez move claim

Tevez saved West Ham from relegation last seasonWest Ham have dismissed claims that striker Carlos Tevez is set to complete his move to Manchester United.
Representatives for the Argentine, 23, say he will have a medical at Old Trafford on Wednesday when he returns from Sunday's Copa America final.
But BBC Sport's Jonathan Legard says West Ham are bewildered by these claims and have called them "irresponsible".
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson remains "hopeful" a deal can be reached to take the striker to Old Trafford.
Report: BBC Sport's Jonathan Legard
He said: "I think we have got the player - we think he's our player and are very hopeful.
Personal terms have been agreed... Carlos feels confident now he is a Manchester United player
Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian
"Everyone was excited when we thought we could get Tevez. He's exciting, his form is fantastic and at 23 he can get better."
But BBC Five Live's Legard understands United have not been in touch with West Ham and any Tevez deal could depend on Sheffield United's High Court date on Friday.
The Blades are trying to win back their place in the Premiership by saying West Ham should have been deducted points over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
They hope documentation from Kia Joorabchian, the duo's representative, can help their cause.
"West Ham insist there has been no direct bid for Tevez and therefore the Premier League would not sanction the deal without confirmation that the club - not Joorabchian's management company - would receive the money," added Legard.
"I'm told, however, that the result of Sheffield United's High Court appearance could decide the next stage of this saga.
"Joorabchian has been asked by the Yorkshire club to provide details of Tevez's contract and that could help unravel the contractual wrangle with Manchester United."
Personal terms are understood to have been agreed and United have agreed an initial loan deal to sign Tevez.
606: DEBATE
This ridiculous saga is reflecting badly on the game of football
Stevie_Ballesteros
The Premier League has insisted West Ham, who hold Tevez's registration, must receive the majority of the fee rather than Joorabchian, who owns Tevez's economic rights.
A spokesman said: "Any deal for Carlos Tevez has to be done directly with West Ham United.
"They hold the registration and we will not transfer the registration unless a deal is done directly with the club."
West Ham were only allowed to keep playing Tevez last season after assuring the Premier League all third-party clauses in the player's contract had been severed.
But Joorabchian is confident he is on sound legal footing to push the transfer through.
"We don't see any problems. I spoke to United on Thursday and they are confident they will have him registered next week," said Joorabchian.
"Carlos will come on Tuesday, have a medical on Wednesday at United and hopefully we will have administrative issues sorted next week.
"Personal terms between Carlos and United have been agreed in full. He feels confident now he is a Manchester United player."

More sports news

Beckham to be unveiled by Galaxy
Follow our coverage of the Beckham media conference on the BBCWatch (in UK): BBC News 24Listen: BBC Radio Five LiveUpdates: BBC Sport website and mobile

The Beckhams arrival in LA has seen widespread media coverageDavid Beckham will burst on to the football stage in the United States on Friday when he is offically unveiled as a Los Angeles Galaxy player.
Beckham, 32, will be paraded before an invited audience of season-ticket holders and guests at 1800 BST.
He will appear at Galaxy's stadium alongside head coach Frank Yallop and general manager Alexi Lalas.
A club spokesman said: "It's meant to be low key. We've got games coming up and an important tournament next week."
Beckham's first appearance for his Major League Soccer club is scheduled to be a friendly against Premier League side Chelsea on 21 July.
It's not a big brand thing, it's about me being the ambassador for MLS
David Beckham
BBC Sport's Nigel Adderley, who is covering the story in Los Angeles, said: "The press conference will be a typical Hollywood collision of showbiz and sport, but I do wonder if Beckham will be glad to get back to kicking a football again."
The England midfielder has a five-year contract with Galaxy, who are currently struggling in second-place place in the MLS Western Division after 12 matches.
The club play at the 27,000-capacity Home Depot Center stadium in the south Los Angeles suburb of Carson.
Beckham will be paid $6.5m by Galaxy this season, according to figures posted on the league's players' union website, and could make $250m over the life of the contract in profit-sharing and sponsorship deals.
606: DEBATE
Let's wish him the best, but for me I think it is one step beyond
smcferguson
Speaking to this week's edition of Sports Illustrated magazine, Beckham said: "I'm not silly enough to think I'm going to change the whole culture, because it's not going to happen.
"But I do have a belief that soccer can go to a different level, and I'd love to be a part of that. It's not a big brand thing, it's about me being the ambassador for MLS.
"If I can make people more aware and make kids realise that you can go into higher levels and make a great living from playing soccer, that's what I'm going over there to do."
Beckham arrived in Los Angeles late on Thursday with his wife Victoria and three children - Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo - but did not answer questions from the waiting media.
He is scheduled to meet his team-mates before Friday's media conference and BBC Sport understands the team will be invited to a team-bonding barbeque at his new house next week.
A series of media interviews and photo-shoots has preceded their arrival, while a television programme documenting the family's move is set to air on US television on Monday.
The Beckhams will make their new home in a reported $22m, 13,000-square-foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbours include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Cricket

Rashid set for India examination
England Lions v India, Three-day match, ChelmsfordMatch starts Friday 1100 BST

Rashid was born in Bradford to Pakistani parentsAdil Rashid is looking forward to testing himself against some top-class batsmen when he lines up for England Lions against India at Chelmsford.
The teenage leg-spinner, who has made a huge impression at Yorkshire, is full of confidence after a five-wicket haul in his last match against Lancashire.
"I'm not daunted. It will be quite a good challenge for me, bowling against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar" he said.
"It's always been my dream to bowl to Tendulkar, and I hope to get him out."
The 19-year-old's 5-114 in the Roses match at Old Trafford ended a barren run of 80 overs and almost two months without a County Championship wicket.
"Last few games I didn't really perform. I was put under pressure - but I thought if I got it in the right area wickets would come," he said.
"I'd been bowling quite well but not with all that much luck."
What I like about him is his aggression as a cricketer in all three disciplines, it is quite rare."
Peter MooresRashid has already toured with England A in Bangladesh, under the tutelage of new England coach Peter Moores, but has not yet completed a full county season.
He does not, however, expect to feel too nervous against the tourists.
"I don't think it will be that difficult, because I know most of the [Lions] lads already," he said.
"I thought it would maybe take some time to develop, probably have a full season of first-class cricket and see how I go.
"You have to be careful not to try to take a wicket every ball, be patient and keep bowling your areas."
For India the match is a last chance to test themselves in English conditions before the first Test at Lord's which starts on 19 July.
The Lions side is led by Andrew Strauss and the hometown star Ravi Bopara will bat in the top order.
Essex are expecting a bumper day at the turnstiles, charging £20 for tickets, and £10 for juniors.
But with the match scheduled for just three days, it will help if the wicket is not as flat as the one on which both Essex and Nottimghamshire recently scored more than 700 runs in their first innings.
England Lions: Andrew Strauss (captain, Middlesex), Tim Ambrose (wicket-keeper, Warwickshire), Ravi Bopara (Essex), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Leicestershire), Joe Denly (Kent), Graham Onions (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Owais Shah (Middlesex), Chris Tremlett (Hampshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire).
India (from): KD Karthik, W Jaffer, R Dravid (capt.), Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Mahendra Dhoni, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Ramesh Powar, RP Singh, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Ranadeb Bose, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, VVS Laxman.

More cricket news
Trescothick saga not over yet
One-day internationals England
by Paresh S - BBC Sport 11 July 2007


England have taken their first steps towards easing Marcus Trescothick back into international cricket by naming him in a 30-man provisional squad for September's Twenty20 World Cup.But the opener is by no means sure he is ready to return to action for his country and you have to say serious doubts remain over whether we will ever see him wear an England shirt again.The need to bring him back has been heightened by an appalling lack of nous at the top of the order in one-day cricket. That is not to say he would solve all of England's failings, for since the 2005 Ashes his stress-related illness appears to have transferred to his form with the bat.He struggled desperately in the one-dayers in Pakistan and, by his own admission, had a rough time of it during last summer's programme.In an interview with the BBC today he sounded far from confident that all the demons in his mind had been eradicated. So can England really take to South Africa a man who came home early from India, sat out the Champions Trophy and World Cup, and left the Ashes tour nine days before the first Test?Ashley Giles says the trip is short enough (three weeks) for him to cope with but the anxieties which have gripped him on previous tours appear capable of returning without warning. Yes he has been much happier this season with Somerset but a lot of his runs have come within a safe distance of home.Ian Botham believes the selectors should resist the temptation to bring him back into a struggling one-day team, saying the pressure of having to get England off to flying starts will do neither party any favours. I'm inclined to agree but I do appreciate that alternatives are hardly jumping out in front of David Graveney and Peter Moores.What do you think?
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comment by sizefive
posted 17 Hours Ago
On a different note, I absolutely cannot believe that Gary Keedy didn't get a look in with this, his 20/20 record is pretty good, not just for one season either, he is very consistent, his economy rate is excellent and he picks up more wickets than most as well.
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comment by Vaughan_Smith
posted 17 Hours Ago
I can understand why the England management are so keen to re-integrate Trescothick into the England team from an individual playing perspective. However, looking at it from a team perspective how can they possibly consider bringing him back after the way he's let down his teammates over the past couple of years. He's quite clearly lost the mental toughness required to play at the highest level, and his return would be even further complicated by the constant sniping from opposition players and supporters alike. Every moment he spent on the pitch would be a constant reminder of past events, and, I'm sure, would result in a relapse. Langer's defence of Trescothick is a bit rich too. I bet you any money you like he'd have made a few choice comments about Trescothick's "illness" in the last Ashes series if Trescothick had played. Don't get me wrong, I've always admired Trescothick's cricket for England, but now is the time for England to move on and find someone new to fill the void.
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comment by tejpatri
posted 15 Hours Ago
All these compliemts about his talent, best player ,skillfull,,etc dont hold water as long as he is not mentally ready for it. These things work in tandem with a best psychological state about which Treschothick is not sure of. So leave him alone and let him raise his hand and show his desparation to play..until then. Pushing him into tough situations too early might do more harm than good to his already fragile state of mind which is already well documented.
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comment by MischaFranklDuval
posted 15 Hours Ago
Many of these comments describe Trescothick as England's best batsman-having only become interested in cricket recently, i've never seen Trescothick play. His figures are good, but can anyone clarify just how good a batsman he is? For example, better or worse than Colly or Bell?
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comment by bobandrews1939
posted 14 Hours Ago
Marcus is one of the most exciting batsman one can see in action. I judge that on the basis of my feelings over many years. For example, the game always seemed to go quiet after Harold Gimblett was out, after Bill Alley, after Colin Milburn, after Ian Botham, more recently after Mark Lathwell and now, of course Trescothick. Unfortunately cricket is as much a game played in the head as on the pitch. Depression can be debilitating at the best of times, and it is a fact that very often lesser talents with a stable outlook succeed where greater gifted players don't always - because of the dark clouds of depression. Depression is not something which can be healed in the same way as a broken limb. Really only Trescothick and his medical team can judge how he might cope with future problems. As long as the illness is treated like any other medical condition I think that a decision by him and his advisors is good enough for me - yes if he wants to - no if he doesn't. If the condition returns, that is a risk which they will up weigh with him. If it did happen, lets be thankful for the pleasure his talent has brought us to date.
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comment by TRUSSMAN5
posted 13 Hours Ago
Gary keedy is your average bits and pieces cricketer which is why he didn't get a look in. Surely schofield is a step backwards. The best way to kill run rates is to take wickets so i'd like Broad, Monty, Anderson and Flintoff up front for the Bowlers. Loye opening and boring-bell back at Warwickshire
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comment by satisfiedstate
posted 12 Hours Ago
oh, just let em do wat they want!there not gona listen to us
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comment by shahidshah
posted 11 Hours Ago
Remember Trescothick has played 123 ODIs so far. Which is more than what one expect from an english player. So I think he has played his part and is finished as an English player. He should not be selected again. We got other options like Loye, Benning, Brown etc.We have to accept the fact that 123 ODIs are enough. We cant compare our players with someone like Tendulkar or Jaysuriya because they are from different breed and they can play near to 400 ODIs and still going strong. We have to accept that English player are not that strong mentally and physically so they can not last long. So it will be a big blunder to select Trescothick as clearly his mind is not focussed to play international cricket.
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comment by madfor4
posted 10 Minutes Ago
"England have taken their first steps towards easing Marcus Trescothick back into international cricket by naming him in a 30-man provisional squad for September's Twenty20 World Cup."WHY?Marcus Trescothick is a great opening bat and an enormous asset for England when on form. However, the current England squad have the all the talent but appear completely mesmerised when faced with any substantial OD/20-20 total. The existing England problem, I contend, is not physical but psychological. To bring back into a key position someone who has a problem in being mentally fit in the international game is an unwarranted gamble; it is not in Marcus's best interest either. If he fails in his first outing the very people (media) who are proposing his inclusion will berate the England selectors and by inference Trescothick.I suggest his name is being included to take him to SA without intending to play him (rather like Arsenal teenager Theo Walcottto in the football WC). A far better idea is to immediately drop those who are currently underperforming in the OD/20-20, try a completely new squad and let those whose names are automatic choices e.g. Pieterson regain a hunger for the short game.England have a test squad to match any nation, Australia excepted, but our short game is a joke. Tinkering with the team has proved ineffectual; its time for a more radical approach.
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comment by deperer
posted 5 Minutes Ago
Misca... he is fairly different to most other 'classical' type batsmen (like Bell, Vaughan) because Treskothic's technique is not perfect... yet he is consistant and one of the more naturally attacking Batsmen. He is probably our 2nd best one-day Batsman behind Pietersen, but in the Test area... its hard to say... probably a better Batter than Bell.. on par with Cook... I would definately have Treskothic in the side instead of Strauss at the moment in the Tests.