However, there are only ten settled players in that eleven because one man has been facing serious questions about his place in the side. Nick Compton, after scoring runs for fun for Somerset last season, has been struggling for Test runs. His technique is under scrutiny, and no-one will be a harsher judge than Compton himself. Who are the candidates for his place?
Nobody will be harsher on the England opener than Compton himself.
- Tests - 479 runs at 31.93, including 2 hundreds, in 9 matches
- First Class - 7298 runs at 43.44 including 20 hundreds in 112 matches
There is no doubt that Joe Root is a Test batsman, the question is where in the order.
- Tests - 424 runs at 42.40, including 1 century, in 6 matches
- First Class - 3151 runs at 45.66, including 8 centuries, in 46 matches
Michael Carberry made one Test appearance, three years ago against Bangladesh.
- Tests - 64 runs at 32, in 1 match
- First Class - 9594 runs at 42.64, with 27 centuries, in 142 matches
Michael Lumb has kept himself busy proving that he's more than a twenty20 slogger.
- First Class - 9030 runs at 36.55, including 18 centuries, in 158 matches
A cheeky suggestion perhaps, but one that is actually quite viable.
- Tests - 3253 runs at 37.39, including 5 centuries, in 58 matches
- First Class - 17596 runs at 45.70, including 49 centuries, in 259 matches
Personally, I would be looking to keep Compton in the side. He recently scored a century for Somerset that is hopefully a sign of the shackles coming off. It seems, though, as if his Test opportunity means so much to him that he can't make the most of it, not to mention the added pressure that comes from being called Compton. Root, I think, is a perfect middle-order batsman for England. He has found success there, and I definitely wouldn't want to move him until after the Ashes. Carberry has probably missed his chance, and Lumb is still going to be earmarked as a T20 specialist. Which leaves McKenzie. I don't know that I as a selector would have the balls to select him and take the flak that came my way, but he would probably be the perfect short term solution.
He could be our Chris Rogers.