I don't think Butler has played his natural game when playing these last 2 years.whether he has not been able to or thinks he should play differently in tests who knows.
He has actually knuckled down and had some decent innings in a few matches.
Foakes should be in for me but Butler has been given longer because he is that talented or because he is a Smith pick-take your choice on that view.
I well remember the 80's selection which was players coming and going like the clappers, so to give a player extra time is far better I think.
As long as we do not go backwards to Bairstow and forward with Foakes maybe for the winter I think it's ok.
Yes Foakes should be in, but at least selection seems consistent.
You would hope Burns,Crawley and Pope, Dom Bess do get a good run to get some confidence behind them.