Who are the opening batsmen that could replace Strauss?

Well?

Assuming he has until at least the end of this series to regain his touch before they decide enough is enough, who is out there that can replace him if he doesn't recover his form before the Sri Lankan tests?

The contenders I can think of are Alex Hales, Joe Root, and...........That's all I can think of as far as specialists are concerned. There was that bald bloke from Yorkshire (can't remember his name......oh yes I can...Adam Lyth), but he's fallen right off the radar.

Anyone else? Could Steve Davies be a wildcard specialist opening batsman without the keeping gloves?

I'd still go Carberry until the others are ready. Going on their Lions showing, Hales and Root certainly are not ready. Unless we're playing in England.

Ah yes Carberry. But, his blood clot means he can't fly long haul, doesn't it? That's what I heard a few months ago. Whether it's a permanent thing, or it was a case of "not quite yet" i'm not sure.

Hales is definitely one for the future .... but wouldn't throw him in against the Jaarpies.
Promote one of either Bell or Trott ... ??

You're a funny person merlin... Aye stick Bell up there, he should do really well

As for Carberry, I'm not sure whether he'd be able to fly but if he was I wouldn't be sticking youngsters OR part-timers up top. If he cannot fly then I'd have to seriously consider probably Hales. Urgh.

Thought I'd bring some mirth to the proceedings Dan!

Seriously, this shouldn't be an issue till 2013 ..... we still have a long season ahead of us this year before Flower et al decide on the guy to replace Johann.

Carberry atm does look like the next cab ... but ... anything can happen in the next 12 months.

I still opt for Hales ... similar in most respects to Le Chef .... sells his wicket dearly.

Hales similar to Cook?? In height only, surely. Hales is a stroke maker, Cook a grafter. Could be a potentially decent opening combination, actually.

I'd pick James Taylor.

Henry wrote:Hales similar to Cook?? In height only, surely. Hales is a stroke maker, Cook a grafter. Could be a potentially decent opening combination, actually.

Hales is similar to Cook ... trust me.
I repeat ... he sells his wicket dearly.

Merlin wrote:

Henry wrote:Hales similar to Cook?? In height only, surely. Hales is a stroke maker, Cook a grafter. Could be a potentially decent opening combination, actually.

Hales is similar to Cook ... trust me.
I repeat ... he sells his wicket dearly.

Ok, he sells his wicket dearly. But he still plays more shots than Cook does. I think he's actually more Pietersen than Cook, but there you go....

More Pietersen ... FFS Trev.
Nothing like KP .... you've most prolly seen him in T20 circus games...
The guy's composed, yes he does play his shots but he is very selective (like Cook unlike KP) and is a bugger to welk out (unlike KP).

Doesn't sell his wicket dearly at all. Gets to fifty then plays silly shots to get out almost every time. Fact. At least he gets to fifty, I suppose.

Hales can dig in, but doubt we'd see him scoring at a rate much under 50 though. I'm sure if Gary were here he'd be pushing Root's claim but I'd rather someone with a bit more 'oomph' myself. Hence Carbs if he's all OK, or Hales if not. I suppose Hales will have another year under his belt, but I'd also like to see him branch out a bit and play abroad.

Trott'll open. Bell will go to his "best" position at three.

None of this will ever happen. Strauss is in until he calls time on himself, Nasser-style.