He's been a consistent batsman in county cricket down the years, much in the same way as Mark Stoneman has.
In the middle order yes he has for Middlesex. Stoneman is a specialist opener which is what we need.
England are awash with strokeplayers, they can't all get in . Someone has to do the hard yards, teams that win cricket matches still follow a similar format.
Look at Elgar for South Africa, pretty ugly, bat don't come down straight etc etc. Gutsy player and very valuable. I like him.
He has value to the team and I bet he is appreciated by his team mates and management. Amla? Different class in my book.
I went to SA v India ICC just to see him bat.
I write this as an old opening batsman(sacked in recent years by the 'selectors')