
England selectors confused about top order batsmen
Online Desk – England selectors have been in a dilemma over the selection of top order batsmen for the three-match Test series against the West Indies starting July 8. Selectors Ed Smith, James Taylor and coach Chris Silverwood may consider the names of Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Denley and Jack Crawley for the top order for the first Test. Burns has strengthened his claim as a top-order batsman in the last nearly 18 months with two centuries.
Burns has recovered fully from the injury suffered in the South Africa tour and it is believed that he will open the innings for England as an opener. At the same time, Crowley, Sibley and Denali had a great performance from the English team in winning three consecutive Tests against South Africa. Sibli scored his first century of his career in that series. England's top order is not as strong at the moment as it was before. After the retirement of Andrew Strauss and then Jonathan Trott, the England team has been missing an opener.
Experts believe Sibley and Burns could open the English innings as the opening pair, while Crawley or Denly could bolster the team's batting order by batting at number three. On the possibility of his selection in the team, Crawley said, 'I don't think any decision has been taken yet. I am confident that by doing better in the practice match in the coming few weeks, I can strengthen my claim.
