England are likely to be without captain Joe Root for their first Test against West Indies in Southampton next Wednesday, leaving a spot in the top order to be filled by another member of England’s 30 man training squad and requiring England to name a temporary captain in his absence.
Assuming that England’s most likely top 3 includes Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, and Zak Crawley on the former’s return to fitness, I’ve assessed the top order batting options in the 30 man squad on their batting pedigree alone to determine which is best placed to fill the void in England’s lineup.
Joe Denly
Last Test: 24/01/20 vs South Africa
Form in the last two years: 780 Test runs at 30.00
Assessment: Shite.
Jonny Bairstow
Last Test: 26/12/19 vs South Africa
Form in the last two years: 737 Test runs at 23.03
Assessment: Shite.
Daniel Lawrence
Last Test: N/A
Form in the last two years: 1,193 Championship runs at 30.59
Assessment: Shite.
Keaton Jennings
Last Test: 09/02/19 vs West Indies
Form in the last two years: 487 Test runs at 25.63
Assessment: Shite.
James Bracey
Last Test: N/A
Form in the last two years: I’m not looking up Division 2 stats for fuck sake. Who does he even play for? Gloucestershire? Bats with a lovely M&H so fair play to him I guess.
Assessment: Shite.
Moeen Ali
Last Test: 01/08/19 vs Australia
Form in the last two years: 287 Test runs at 15.10
Assessment: Shite.
Conclusion
England should pick Gary Ballance.
