Foakes under the new regime of Stokes/McCullum
393 runs @ 43.6, 1 100s, 3 50s.
Plus with his keeping (he is miles ahead of the other candidates) I just find the idea of dropping him to accomodate elsewhere a bit...mad? More often that not he's been the guy at the other end in those chases, just doing his thing.
I'd agree, he's earned his place. Then again, since May 2022, Bairstow has scored 681 in 11 innings at 75.66, with 4 tons and a 50. Sr of 96. Surely you've got to find a place for him? Crawley can't go on much longer, so why not try Stokes or Bairstow up top instead of dropping Foakes? This England team isn't against radical thinking and going against tradition. Plus, Crawley isn't exactly doing a traditional openers job either
As Bairstow has been out and Stokes has been playing, you'd think Stokes could work better, but with the captaincy and if he's bowling it may be a bit much to ask. Stick Bairstow at 2 i say, it'll be a fun watch regardless!