Five summer conundrums for England

Can they settle the top order?

Another England Test season begins with continued debate about Alastair Cook’s opening partner. Barring a late surprise, Alex Hales has been handed another chance after making his debut in South Africa – four Tests which left more questions than answers. Two men before him, Adam Lyth and Sam Robson, the latter who has started this season like a train with three hundreds, had seven Tests before being moved on so it is fair decision to allow Hales at least a home series. But the position has become a poisoned chalice. August will mark four years since Andrew Strauss retired and it would be a brave person to say that come the end of the Pakistan series England will be any surer of a settled partner for Cook. And then there’s the No. 3 spot. Nick Compton, who helped set up England’s first Test victory in Durban, has retained his place but the Sri Lanka series has a feeling of now or never. Joe Root will stay at No. 4 for now, but a move up one spot seems the longer-term outcome, while James Vince will be able to bed in at No. 5 but could be another option for a promotion if change is required.

Who should be long-term wicketkeeper?

Jonny Bairstow is in the form of his life as a batsman and will head into the Sri Lanka series on the back of his thrilling 198 against Surrey. He was impressive with the bat in South Africa, securing an emotional maiden Test hundred at Newlands, but did not inspire confidence behind the stumps with up to seven opportunities – of varying difficulty – being missed. He is one of the best five batsmen in England, so there is a school of thought to push him …

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