I'd never have dropped Bell and, listening to Cook, Michael Vaughan and Bayliss just after the UAE test series, I don't think they foresaw it. Cook had a shocking lean run and clearly thought Bell would come through it. Bayliss was actually talking about Bell playing to SA. Vaughan said he has to go, for his experience.
I just don't see Compton and/or Ballance coping as well. There's a perception that Bell plays spin well. He doesn't. He dances down to a ball, then goes into survival mode. He doesn't read the ball out of the bowler's hand at all well. However, pace he can play. Very well. He loves the ball coming on and bouncy tracks and I honestly think he'd score runs in SA. I genuinely don't think Compton or Ballance are better options on SA pitches against that attack.
To not even take him, even if you want to start with another player, is nonsensical. It really is. Maybe Root's come of age and is seen as an experienced head. Great. Top, top player. But what if his back goes? Even with him, you've got a top eight batting order with one player who's played over 40 tests.