For England, the current holders of the urn, some serious issues need to be addressed and dealt with at the soonest. Their previous two Test series’ at home might have been in victorious causes, but they surely were far from being easy. South Africa and West Indies did expose major shortcomings of the England siding, and the side’s batting, in particular, was incredibly underwhelming.
For a series as daunting as the Ashes, in conditions away from home, England by any means cannot afford to have plain travellers. The middle order at the moment is in a complete mess, with just the spots of skipper Joe Root and Alastair Cook the confirmed ones.
For the English selectors, the main question which remains revolves around either backing their rookies or recalling some experienced individuals. For instance, Mark Stoneman, who debuted recently might cut an opener, but then there is always the choice of Keaton Jennings.
Not just that, the inclination to recall someone as proven as Alex Hales remains too. Dawid Malan and Tom Westley inspire little confidence, and this is precisely why recalling Alex Hales, and Jos Buttler makes a lot of sense.
According to limited overs captain Eoin Morgan, Hales and Buttler must be back for the Ashes.
“I’d like to see them play in an Ashes series,” Morgan said.
“Ashes and World Cups are the pinnacle of our careers so to see guys playing in that format and doing well would boost confidence massively. They have a huge amount of ability in all three formats and if an opportunity presented itself in an Ashes series as opposed to a T20 league, I’d say take the Ashes every time.”
“I think if I was in Alex’s position I’d just do as much as I can and see if I was selected,” Morgan added.
“I think it’s nice he has an alternative plan so it’s not the be-all and end-all for him to be selected for the Ashes. It takes a little bit of the weight off his shoulders. But certainly in the form he’s shown throughout this summer he’s got to be one of the most in-form batsmen in county cricket at the moment.”