SIX BATSMEN WHO COULD COME IN

DOMINIC SIBLEY (Warwickshire) Age: 23 Career first-class average: 38.60 2019 County Championship average: 55.82

The outstanding English opener in domestic first-class cricket this summer is another batsman with a rather ugly technique but, on weight of runs alone — 949 of them, including three hundreds and four half-centuries — he deserves his chance.

ZAK CRAWLEY (Kent) Age: 21 Career ave: 32.21 2019 CC ave: 37.68

The opener is highly rated by Ed Smith, the national selector, who is formerly of Kent, and many others in the England set-up. But the youngster may have to bide his time given he has played just 33 first-class matches.

JAMES VINCE (Hampshire) Age: 28 Career ave: 38.49 2019 CC ave: 20.80

A maddening England career in which he has looked so good at times before getting out to brainless shots. His Test average of 24.9 is poor and, despite a terrible season, his natural ability could see him recalled — this time as an opener.

OLLIE POPE (Surrey) Age: 21 Career ave: 59.58 2019 CC ave: 70

Next in line for a middle-order slot given he was drafted in as cover for Jason Roy before Headingley. Struggled in two Tests last summer against India, when he was asked to bat two places higher than the No6 position he occupied for Surrey, but has bounced back impressively this summer.

DAWID MALAN (Middlesex) Age: 31 Career ave: 37.73 2019 CC ave: 56.69

Has an Ashes century to his name and could cover several positions in the top six. Is scoring heavily for Middlesex at No4 but his 907 Championship runs are cheapened somewhat by the fact they have come in Division Two.

BEN FOAKES (Surrey) Age: 26 Career ave: 38.82 2019 CC ave: 29.29

The best wicketkeeper in the country, who averages 41.50 in Test cricket after he played five times last winter. The decision to drop him in the Caribbean now seems like a mistake and surely has to come back into the team again sooner rather than later.