Jack Russell has hit out at the England cricket selectors for changing the wicket keeper again.
The former Gloucestershire glovesman was in 'dismay' when he heard the news that Matt Prior was the latest to be dropped just 9 months after making his debut.
Uncapped wicket keepers Tim Ambrose and Phil Mustard were chosen instead for the Test squad which is due to arrive in New Zealand next week.
In the last 18 months Geraint Jones, Chris Read, and Paul Nixon have also been used behind the stumps and the position is one of the most heated debates in English cricket .
Former Gloucestershire glovesman Russell, who played 54 tests for England, has become angry as the selectors keep chopping and changing the wicket-keeper.
Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, he said, "They've got to understand to give them more time, they've got to be more realistic. I find it unbelievable.
"Prior played well, he might have missed a couple of chances but he's hardly played really. It's so short sighted."
During his playing career Russell was widely regarded as the best keeper in the country but often found himself left out in favour of Alec Stewart, who had a better batting record.
It was Prior's form behind the stumps though during the recent tour of Sri Lanka which led to his axeing from the England squad, leaving Russell confused and frustrated.
"Prior is averaging 40-odd, what more do they want," he said.
"They keep moving the goalposts. All of a sudden they're saying he's not up to scratch."
"If they're going back to wicket-keeping being the main priority and Ambrose doesn't get the runs they should stick with him."
Incidentally, David Graveney was removed from his position as Chairman of Selecors last week.
He had argued that Prior needed a break from Test cricket and expects him to play for England in the future, but Russell, who was in and out the side himself, does not agree with that view.
"It doesn't help stopping and starting all the time," he said.
"It's such an important position. Just like in football your goalkeeper and defence needs to know each other well, the wicket-keeper has to build relationships with the bowlers.
"Ambrose has never stood up to Panesar whose one of our key players."
Russell hasn't seen much of Ambrose, whose expected to be picked for the first test in New Zealand, but says the most important thing is for England to stay patient.
He also believes England should have one keeper for both Test and one-day cricket, with Mustard expected to get the nod in the latter.
"I'm not fussed who they pick they just need to stick with them. Ambrose now has to start where Prior did a year ago, although Prior would have progressed.
"It's doing my head in to be honest they need to make their mind up."
"If someone can't bat in the one-dayers how are they good enough to play in tests. It's such a mess at the moment."
"They need to get back to the basics where the top six get the runs, the wicket keeper bats at seven or eight and takes catches and stumpings."
Although Russell does not have a preference who should be England's wicket-keeper he regards Read highly.
The Nottinghamshire keeper learnt under Russell at Gloucestershire at a young age, and seems to be England's forgotten man with just 15 caps to his name.
"I think Chris Read is the best keeper in the country," said Russell.
"He should never have been dropped. At the age he's in now he's in prime shape.
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