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[trypewriter]

OK - all things being equal, you have the players ready for promotion who tick all the boxes.
Second team opener has been well amongst the runs and playing long innings - he's due his chance, but do you play him as opener in the firsts?
Similarly, second team strike bowler has proved a match winner with the new ball - do you open the bowling with him in the firsts?

[Johnny]

I say that depends on who you're dropping from the 1st XI

[trypewriter]

I was suggesting like for like, a firsts regular opener and strike bowler unavailable through injury or illness etc. rather than dropped through lack of form. I would expect in the latter case that they would slot into their favoured position, or why promote them? But thoughts on the matter are very welcome.

[Cumbrian Pete]

I agree with Johnny.  It does depend on who has been left out of the first team.  f it's a like for like replacement then you should bat / bowl the second team player in the same position.  If it's not a like for like replacement then I would probably bat the opener at 6 and have the bowler come on first change just to give them a feel for playing at the higher level and a chance to have a look at what they need to do...unless I had very strong reasons to think that the incoming players would struggle to adapt to a new role.