Following the 1-1 Test series draw against Pakistan, England have plenty of thinking to do ahead of the five-match series to come with the might of India in August.
The emphatic nature of the victory by an innings and 55 runs at Headingley – England’s first Test win in nine matches – would have raised confidence levels amongst the ranks following the harrowing loss at Lord’s.
Although one-day international cricket assignments against Scotland, Australia and the Men In Blue come next, here, we keep the focus on Test cricket and what England could look like by the time Virat Kohli (fitness-permitting) and his team roll around.
England XI
Openers
Alastair Cook – England’s all-time top run-scorer hit decent knocks of 70 and 46 against Pakistan and is obviously a shoe-in moving forward, though he will continually be scrutinised should big runs fail to come later this summer. Had to adjust again to a 13th different opening partner in Tests since Andrew Strauss’ retirement in 2012, and at 33, it will be interesting to see where his hunger lies at the end of the series. England still rely on him massively and shouldn’t wish him away.
Keaton Jennings – Only had one innings in Leeds, scoring 29 and despite nicking behind off pace, looked far more assured on the front foot. England won’t chop and change again having just ditched Mark Stoneman so he faces a career-defining series coming up. Jury is still out but deserves more of a go in his second reprieve.
Nick Gubbins – As far as openers are concerned, the 24-year-old Middlesex left-hander is the next cab off the rank and could be parachuted in should Jennings flatter to deceive in the first Test at Edgbaston or second match at Lord’s.
England shouldn’t wish away Cook.
No.3
Joe Root – It’s only a matter of time, surely, before the skipper scores big. The most important man for England and a win on his home turf in Yorkshire will have given him a major boost having captained a team lacking morale all winter.
No.4
Dawid Malan – Didn’t go on to trouble the scorecard much against Pakistan but got starts and has just enough credit in the bank, despite a quiet series in New Zealand. Adds some grit and steel to what has been a frail batting line-up, so his presence is needed. Hit by a vicious Hasan Ali bouncer in the second innings at Lord’s but shrugged it off to give an insight into the type of character he is, and one this team needs moving forward.
No.5
Jonny Bairstow – Probably the most assured name on the England team sheet, bar Root, and that should continue for many, many years.
No.6
Ben Stokes – Bowled incredibly well and fast at Lord’s (something he didn’t get credit for) but will miss the second Test, ironically at Lord’s, due to his trial date. England need an alternative and his body seems to be cracking up again.
Moeen Ali – Endured a torrid winter but has a good record as an all-rounder in English conditions when the reliance on spin isn’t essential on green-top and seaming pitches. His 82 wickets at an average of 33.47 at home does not set the world alight but is a far cry from his 40.68 overall. Has pedigree to rise to the occasion and played well against India in 2014.
Adil Rashid – It’s been sad to see England’s best leg-spinner out in the cold since the 2016 December Test with India in Chennai. His focus on short-form cricket of late came about after being demoted from the Test side. A man selector Ed Smith will hopefully turn to again to fill the spin void, but he would bat further down.
No.7
Jos Buttler – His impact was stark as he made his return from exile. The most naturally gifted man available for England and has to be a stalwart moving forward. Offers something few others do.
Jos Buttler will be hoping to score heavily.
No.8
Chris Woakes – Warwickshire man’s record at home is very good and brings balance. Would be a regular but for injury. He can’t seem to shake those problems off but the man nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ is still important.
No.9
Tom Curran – Obviously had a tough baptism for England in the Ashes, but he wasn’t alone. He actually brought more energy and promise to proceedings than most. His youthfulness and dynamism are two huge assets. It’s controversial to leave Stuart Broad out here – an England legend who showed his true worth at Headingley – but England have got to be brave and look at other options. His international career isn’t over but freshening up the pace attack is a must.
Curran had a tough Test debut Down Under but will bounce back.
No. 10
Mark Wood – His susceptibility to injuries and keeping what is a slight frame in physically the best condition possible, when he bowls that fast, will always be a challenge. But, when fit and available, he needs to play against India as he brings pace to the table like no other.
No. 11
James Anderson – Like a classic car, he looks better and better with age. His powers shouldn’t be questioned. Still the leader of this attack until a natural finale at the 2019 Ashes.
