Open Season

Open Season, usually a time period where hunting is legal although for English selectors this seems to be headed for the foreseeable future. The Open season of English openers describes it best, where batsmen have been hunted by selectors only to fail on the international stage and to be never heard of again.

As a post Lords effect the standard team selection jitters are in full flow, with Gary Balance already being relieved of duty and the call up to in form Jonny Bairstow. Critics are also taking a closer look into Alastair Cooks opening partner after Adam Lyth seems to be wrapped around the Aussies little finger with re-occurring back foot dismissals. The trap door seems to be creaking for another of England's openers, following experiments such as Michael Carberry, Sam Robson, Nick Compton and Joe Root. All these batsmen were given a maximum of nine games, which begs the question 'is that enough time to step up from the county circuit to international?'. Not only are none of these batsmen knocking on the door for selection but have struggled within their own counties, leaving very few ideas if Adam Lyth did need replacing possibly root opening again and James Taylor comes into the squad who's also in form. Is it in this 'New England' mentality to replace Lyth this early or are they willing to stick it out, a success story being Steve Smith for Australia who is now ranked number one in the world.

With only three games left of this Ashes series, one being in Trent Bridge could a case be made for Alex Hales who is one of England's most talented batsmen who has proven his ability in northern and southern hemisphere wickets. Although his attacking style would be an area of concern for selectors however, if given enough games he may be able to adapt, after all look at David Warner who seems to be able to play every kind of situation a characteristic England have struggled to find over the last twelve months.

Either way with Cook requesting 'English wickets' for the final three games, means Adam Lyth or any of the out of form England top order will have any rest bite with ground staff listening to the seamers dyer call for assistance after Cardiff and Lords offering very little.

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Jordan Bowen