The England selectors have tinkered with the batting line-up ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. Jonny Bairtstow has been called up to replace fellow Yorkshire batsman Gary Ballance. The change means a shift up the order for Ian Bell and Joe Root.
England Reshuffle the Pack Ahead of Third Test
Ballance has been horribly out of form, averaging just 16.75 in eight innings this summer. In stark contrast, in his last outing Bairstow scored more individually (139) than England’s entire team (103) did in their second innings at Lord’s. Bairstow has been in fine form in the County Championship this year and has deservedly earned his call-up. The concern for England fans will be his less than impressive Test record. Averaging 26.95 in 14 matches, Bairstow has struggled at Test level. He was part of the team which was whitewashed in Australia so the tourists will know all about the Yorshireman.
Ian Bell can count himself lucky to have retained his place. Bell has probably been given one last opportunity this summer on his home ground of Edgbaston. The decision to allow Bell to play in front of a familiar crowd is a brave one. The batsman is averaging just 14.50 in eight innings this summer, worse than that of dropped Ballance. He moves up to number three and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the transition. He has previously stated that he likes batting at number three. His style and beautiful scoring technique suit batting at three and hopefully on the first day he can sit with his feet up until around tea time before recapturing his form.
England nearing tea without loss might be a stretch — the heavily criticised Adam Lyth also retained his place despite being desperately short of runs. Calls for Alex Hales to be called up in his place have been ignored by the selectors. The problem Lyth faces as pressure mounts will be a serious test of character. His struggles have been highlighted further by the rest of the top order’s failings; perhaps his lack of form wouldn’t have been so noticeable had runs been scored by those around him.
Once again England hopes will rest on Joe Root who also moves up the batting order to four. It shouldn’t affect Root’s game too much and hopefully he can continue his excellent form, minus the blip at Lord’s last week. Root, along with captain, Alastair Cook, will look to lead by example as England search for those vital top order runs.
Australia are likely to be unchanged, after a scan gave the dizzy Rogers the all clear. The only selection headache for the Aussies is in the wicket-keeper position. Peter Nevill impressed on his Test debut at Lord’s, as veteran keeper-batsman Brad Haddin sat out for personal reasons. We may not see Haddin in the Test arena again, especially if Nevill continues to show that he is a worthy replacement. Australia have a couple of tour matches to look at both men before head coach Darren Lehmann and Chairman of selectors, Rodney Marsh, make their final decision.
England will hope to bounce back after the crushing defeat at Lord’s. All eyes will be on the top order as they try to score much-needed runs. Australia will try to pick up where they left off in what should once again be an interesting battle at Edgbaston. England fans will have fond memories of that ground. In 2005 England pulled off a stunning late victory by two runs as Australia approached the victory total. A repeat of the dramatics would be entertaining for the fans but England would take any kind of victory to get their summer back on track.
