What was the story with Compton?
'Team England's' requirements for players - obviously that they tick all boxes re; playing ability, no great breaking news headline there. But one of the things they place equal importance on is group and team dynamics; how does a player 'fit in,' etc.
A number of journalists, mainly broadsheets and Cricinfo, ran a few stories that Compton didn't really contribute in the dressing room. There's nothing wrong with being a bit quiet and even shy you could suggest but then, when dropped for the home Ashes series, he came out and said that the management didn't really understand him and that Gooch's batting coaching didn't suit his game. That is why he hasn't been picked and possibly won't be again.
I can totally understand it - in other team sports you may be away for a game for 2-3 days and group dynamics are essential - who you room with (if they don't have a room each), keeping players engaged and interested, group activities, etc. In Cricket, where you are aware for months at a time, the Sports Psychologist has a massive role to play on this aspect of training. Given that Compton doesn't have the ability of KP, who management went out of their way to reintegrate, the management probably felt there were as good or better players that would a) contribute to the team ethos and integrate well and b) perform (not necessarily in that order). Taking group dynamics and team cohesion into account, you can see why they place so much sock in the ECB Development team tours - group behaviour is essential.
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