the knives are out...

Bairstow looks too nervous when playing for England. The difference between him and Root is remarkable.

The form batsman at the moment appears to be Adil Rashid however I think someone like Gary Ballance could be ideal for England at number 6.

id like to see alex hales given a go at test level

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I would have not argued a few years ago, but his form this season has been terrible in the CC. Chopra is above him in the reckoning.

No doubt he has the ability.

Can see England promoting Root to opener or Carberry opens if they drop Compton..... can't see it happening though despite not big scores the average first wicket partnership is around 55

Compton will get one more chance at leeds.. If he doesn't get an high score. He will be replaced by Root at the top.. Though id prefer Trott to open and Bell at 3.. Ian bell needs to be given a main role .mentally when hes kept back he loses something. Ian Bell was doing great at number 3 in Trotts absence..

Cook
Trott
Bell
Root
Pieterson
Bairstow
Prior

That would be my top 7.

I think someone like Gary Ballance could be ideal for England at number 6.

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You can't pick a specialist batsman imo as a specialist number 6. A young player coming in at number 6 should be someone who over time should be able to bat higher up the order. If you're going to bring someone in as a specialist 6 or 7 then it's an allrounder, not a specialist batsman.

Would hardly be the England Cricket Team without the knives being out for someone. Compton is under massive pressure now, we'll learn a lot about him over the next few days. Feel for Jonny, think he is a quality player but he just can't get going yet, he will though i'm sure of that.

Ballance, wonderful player but one i wish would play for Zim as he would do so much good for their team and cricket in Zim as he could be a real star player for them. Pity.

Hales is a long long lon way off the radar when it comes to test cricket,he has a lot to work on right now in the longer form of the game.

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Shakeup of the batting needed now. Bell has been rubbish needs to go now.my team for the ashes.
Cook
Carberry
Trott
Kp
Root
Morgan
Prior
Broad
Swann
Finn
Anderson.

Compton possibly one for the future. Bell is ill-disciplined and not fit for much more than one fine innings in a blue moon.

The rain is out - smashing it down in Leeds.