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[mcgill123]

It's the lack of self belief for me, I think he knows he's not good enough.
You need to know you belong, you look at Root, Stokes even Taylor(even though his avg is only mid 20s) they all have that belief, like it's their destiny to get to and stay at the top level, I have avoided using arrogance because I feel it can be regarded as a somewhat negative trait, but call it what you will the guys I listed all have what it takes in my opinion.

[mcgill123]

Who would you bring in instead then?

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Very good question, but for me neither Hales or Compton are the answers to their current roles.

[Woodyspin]

Think this says enough.

1. We dont persevere
2. We are also looking for too much.
3. Cook + Strauss opening stand average of 40, average opening partnership with anyone since strauss retired is also 36, between this series started and then this was only bettered by Australia, India and Bangladesh.

[mcgill123]

We almost look a very good side but we are missing a few elements and I don't have the answers, but persevering with these two isn't the way forward.
I dislike being negative towards either player, I always want the players selected for our national sides to succeed whether it's cricket, football, rugby, etc but to keep moving forward you have to be realistic.

[Woodyspin]

I would expect the next option would be Roy(not a chance!), Vince(probably not), reverting back to a former opener, Chopra or last but not least Bell-Drummond

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[Seniorplayer]

Move Compton up to open and Hales to 7 if that doesn't work find a spot for Balance.

[petehosk]

It's simple - Compton has better figures than Lyth, etc. And Root needs to stay at 4 where he seems most comfortable!
And as Balance averages just under 48 in International Tests, surely he deserves a chance?
I think Cook, Compton, Ballance, Root, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Broad, Finn, Anderson looks a decent line up and would hopefully add a bit more stability to the top order? Middle order (4-7 or seem to fire quite well under pressure, as they have needed to do due to a fragile start so far. But imagine how well they could bat if the top 3 batted quite well!!
I know we should give Hales a chance, but I'm not convinced that he is the answer in the Test team!
Anyway time will tell I guess!

[mcgill123]

I would expect the next option would be Roy(not a chance!), Vince(probably not), reverting back to a former opener, Chopra or last but not least Bell-Drummond

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My argument for dropping Hales and Compton is full of holes because I don't know the solution, but the guys you have listed are untried at test level but maybe deserve a chance?, I don't know?, but in my view H and C and Balance for that matter neither have the temperament or technique for test cricket.

[WalkingWicket37]

3 of the last 4 openers England have tried don't even open for their County sides in the Championship, maybe try opening with an actual opener if you want them to do well (or is that too sensible a solution?)

[mcgill123]

It's simple - Compton has better figures than Lyth, etc. And Root needs to stay at 4 where he seems most comfortable!
And as Balance averages just under 48 in International Tests, surely he deserves a chance?
I think Cook, Compton, Ballance, Root, Taylor, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Broad, Finn, Anderson looks a decent line up and would hopefully add a bit more stability to the top order? Middle order (4-7 or seem to fire quite well under pressure, as they have needed to do due to a fragile start so far. But imagine how well they could bat if the top 3 batted quite well!!
I know we should give Hales a chance, but I'm not convinced that he is the answer in the Test team!
Anyway time will tell I guess!

The thing for me Pete is that it's ok to quote numbers, this guy averages this and he averages that, but do they really look like international players, Hales could go on to hit a ton at Centurion resulting in him being selected for the next tour but in my opinion this wouldn't make him a test opener, its happened countless times before where players save their careers when it doesn't matter.
You've either got it or you haven't.
I'd like to repeat that I don't have the answers.

[ProCricketer1982]

Well, you think national and county coaches would know if a technique is good enough or not without 'taking a look'. Tbh, the game has changed now. Counties are not looking for technically sound players who play like cook/Williamson etc. They are after hales/Roy types. Money is in white ball stuff so why bother paying for a guy who can bat for 300 balls for 100-150 runs and unable to biff.

Money talks.

Obviously the genuine class players like posting, Hussey, sangakkara can change their game but we are seeing.p the majority can't and are being asked to 'do a job'. Also, it does ask questions of lvcc though if these technical issues aren't being discovered or found out.

Compton is t going to be anything other than avg but he's the best England have for top order test batting

[ProCricketer1982]

3 of the last 4 openers England have tried don't even open for their County sides in the Championship, maybe try opening with an actual opener if you want them to do well (or is that too sensible a solution?)

Trouble is, due to white ball these openers are more like hitters than test openers/top order

[ppccopener]

Im old school- i think your openers are your best techically correct players-or your top 4 if you like.The ball does more and you need to be able to handle that otherwise your team would be stuffed-no side wins matches if you are regularly 20-3.
Seniorplayer made the point long term hales could move down.Thats not the worst suggestion ive heard on here.
compton must be stuck with..he is doing a job for the team..a bit dull? Maybe but this is not a sunday knock about
 

[Seniorplayer]

Takie  dull with guys who can see off the new ball and the opening bowlers over 20 for 3 in the first 15 overs wins every time

[procricket]

well well well my long term prediction has come true it a shame some of you so called England fans have got on the band wagon.

Back a horse long enough have a little faith they tend to pull through well done England thats two series half this forum thought you didn't have a hell in hope of winning. Please don't come back with injurys blah blah blah..

Where Gez my man when we need him.

Broad hey who would have thought it .

I don't care who they pick they know more than me and Farbrace is the man he has that aura about him well done the boys