Without Strauss and KP now, major problems in the middle order. Trott and Cook opening, Bell at 3, Prior at 7, Bowlers all the same, but the middle order is the sticky issue.
Only a month ago Bairstow was not good enough, Taylor has played 1 test,Morgan is out of favour and Bopara's head is in the clouds. Who else has test experience in there? No one. I believe JT can bat at 5 and Bairstow at 6, they should atleast be given ago, but that is probably the most inexperience middle order in world cricket, however, you only gain experience by playing.
The problem is a Test class no4, none of the players in county cricket, Root and Compton are the only two anywhere near the standard, but I'd say since he's been through the system Root would be prefferred and may open.
Baptism of fire in India for whoever comes in