Soapbox
 

Champions Trophy Shoe-Ins

Champions Trophy Shoe-Ins

Watson - so patriotic.

There are plenty of chaps out there who are adamant they won't go to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Then, there are these brave fellows...

Sensical Stuff
"If I was approached I would go because being a fringe player and wanting to play for my country, it just makes sense for me.

"I can understand the senior players not wanting to go. They are comfortable with their position in the team but the fringe players like me and the up-and-coming players will grab it because you may never get a chance again.

"You jump at any chance like this and you hope that the ICC have got it right. I never felt threatened then but it could be different now with more teams and more at stake, but equally there should be more security." - New Zealand 'fringe' opener, Matthew Sinclair

A Date With The Army
"In Sri Lanka last year there were bombs going off while we were there. But you did not feel threatened by it - because you have got the security detail, and the army give you escorts.

"I'd certainly trust what [ICC security expert] Reg Dickason says - after spending some time with him - so I'll have to wait and see what he says.

"It is obviously tricky - because if you are in a position like me, having only played a dozen or so internationals, you certainly worry about giving your place up and not winning it back. Inside me, I think I would not have a problem. - Monty Panesar's competition, Graeme Swann

Safety First
"I'd be happy to go to Pakistan, that's for sure.

"When the decision is made to go I am sure security will not come into play - because at that point, they should already know that it is safe to go." - England's new bloke on the block, Samit Patel

When All Is Said And Done
"You can go to a number of places in this world that are dangerous.

"But at the end of the day it's not my call and it's up to Cricket Australia. I'm sure they will do everything they can to make sure it's safe. - Aussie discard, Nathan Hauritz

Anytime, Anywhere, Any Place
"Personally, I'd go anywhere, I'll play anywhere, I just want to play for my country.

"That's what I've worked so hard for, the injuries I've had, pretty up and down times over the last year, so I'd do anything to play for my country so wherever we have to go, I'll go." - Once-crocked Oz all-rounder, Shane Watson