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[procricket]

Agree about Compton and Root is vastly overrated.

We don't know the inside out of things Root is a decent player but does not look a test opener to me would people be calling for his head if the chance he gave in his hundred had been taken? but then again you earn your luck.

Root kind of reminds me of Ian Bell when he first started playing a little boy in a men's team not quite sure of his place and surroundings

He has ability no doubt about that just not sure as a opener

[Johnny]

Root will be fine

Struggle to see who the next middle order batsman should be though - I like Bairstow, but he does seem to be struggling. I just don't see Taylor being up to the task either.

[Kulli]

Ballance, Taylor or Robson seem to be the most involved/touted.

[Alvaro]

I think Ballance will play in the ODIs post-Ashes and this will give an impression of his temperament for the step-up. Other than that, middle order runs by genuine English prospects have been a little thin this year. It has been a year for the top order.

[petehosk]

Bairstow did look a little better in his last innings but obviously still didn't quite perform.
I reckon they will give him this last Test next week and see if he starts performing. But if he doesn't, what are the options for the Ashes in Aus?

[joeljonno]

Can't remember who said it (Boycott maybe) but if you cant stick with your younger players when you are 3-0 up, when can you stick with them.

[Johnny]

If there's no stand out alternative, then may as well continue to carry Bairstow to see if he finds his feet.

[FattusCattus]

No-one seems to mention Stokes. I thought he was a bit special and his part time bowling more than useful?

[Nickauger]

No-one seems to mention Stokes. I thought he was a bit special and his part time bowling more than useful?

Discipline problems?

[Alvaro]

The fact he's frozen in his limited exposure so far?
Fitness?

[johnnyw]

Bressie out of final test. Get Tremlett in and Onions for Anderson who could do with a rest

http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2013/content/story/662645.html

[tim2000s]

Onions is also out with a broken finger.

[Buzz]

hearing woakes flavoured rumours...

[Nickauger]

Oh please god no!

[The_Bird]

Woakes would be fodder I fear...