Alex Tudor's omission from the Ashes squad seems to confirm him as the new Chris Lewis - a promising fast bowler whose career is being wrecked by hypochondria and a lack of mental fibre. Except there is one key difference: Tudor's performances have been largely up to scratch. He may have been poor in the last two Tests against India, but he was hardly alone in that, and earlier this summer he bowled Goughless and Caddickless England to victory over Sri Lanka on a flat Old Trafford track. He is undoubtedly one of the best five fast bowlers in the country, so his omission must transcend ability. Gambling on one young fast bowler is fine, but two is dangerous. Yes, Tudor will be on call at the Academy - but the inclusion of Richard Dawson and James Foster just to carry the drinks suggests England are keen to keep a tight team. So is this another naughty-boy punishment for Tudor? Omitting a man who takes a wicket every 37 balls against the Aussies, and who took England's last Ashes five-for, is asking for trouble. How many kicks up the backside must Tudor take? Rob Smyth

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