Forgot about him. I have it on reasonably good authority that he only got his debut last season in light of the Azeem Rafiq stuff. Though he did quite well... was a little bit of a 'your face fits' situation.
But hope he continues his development. Hard to wrist-spinners in England to get enough overs under their belt. Should send him to India to play some 1st class cricket.
It won't happen, obv, but the ideal solution would be to have Root opening like he used to. Didn't he score 180 opening with Cook that first Ashes when we dropped Compton? Think he got out playing a scoop shot or something.
He opened in CC, has proved he can open in tests against the Aussies with a new Dukes ball. Has got the defence and can build an innings while also being able to score at Bazball rates when he's in without simply slogging.
Brooke and YJB at 4 and 5. Stokes and Foakes. That's a decent team. Need Stokes to be able to bowl, though. And are crying out for a Swann who is a top drawer spinner who can bat at 8.
But apparently Brooke pre-call up had been talking to YCCC about opening as he thought that would give him the best chance of breaking into the England XI. Pity it didn't happen cos he says his fave shot is the forward defensive that sees the ball dribble to point.
If we could replace Zak with the opener Root was before we moved him to no. 4 we'd be sorted.
But I worry that if Stokes doesn't bowl and we pick Leach when it's not turning, then it's too much for 3 seamers. JA, Ollie and Archer?