With a packed summer of cricket ahead for England, including the ever demanding Ashes Series, do England have the batting lineup to survive? With Kevin Pietersen injured and a number of players out of form, I wonder whether the Australians will be starting to fancy their chances of taking back the Ashes. Captain Alastair Cook is looking in fine form, with a century in the last test match against and improving New Zealand bowling attack. However, his current opening partner, Nick Compton, has struggled so far since bursting onto the test match scene. There have been problems lower down the order as well, leaving many critics wondering if a batting order reshuffle is needed. This article will look at promising players in English cricket and assess whether they could make the step up to test match level! Click 'Next' to see who could replace Compton!
James Taylor
23 year old James Taylor has been described by many as a 'pocket rocket' and has proven himself to be a solid batsman for both the England Lions and Nottinghamshire. Having played for England at youth level and developed into a promising young player in domestic cricket, many have been calling for his full international call up. A player in a similar mould to Joe Root, he is steady and confident, especially when playing off the back foot. He is not a natural opening batsman, however I feel with his temperament he could quickly grow into the England set up at the top of the order. If not, then I believe he should be selected to fill the middle order hole, and push a more experienced player, such as Bell, into the top spot!