Top order an issue in first Root squad

ENGLAND will name the first Test squad of Joe Root’s captaincy reign today, with changes afoot at the top of the batting order.

Root was appointed as Alastair Cook’s successor in February but, with white-ball cricket dominating the early part of the summer, he will lead the side for the first time when the Investec Series against South Africa gets under way at Lord’s on Thursday.

At the beginning of the campaign Cook would have expected to open with Lancashire’s Haseeb Hameed. However, the 20-year-old, who made a strong impression over three Tests in India before breaking a finger, has had a torrid domestic campaign and is unlikely to be included.

Durham skipper Keaton Jennings, who replaced Hameed, scoring a century on debut, can expect to continue but discussions have been had over whether he should head the innings or come in at No.3.

That depends on who the selectors choose to bolster the top order. Surrey opener Mark Stoneman is hopeful of winning a maiden call-up.

Alternatively, Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance has elbowed his way back into the conversation and could bat at three, leaving Jennings to face the new ball.

With Bears ace Chris Woakes out injured a pace attack of James Anderson, Mark Wood and Stuart Broad supplemented by all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely.