Last chance saloon for England's failing batsmen

England’s batting line-up has been the source of much frustration in recent history, but their troubles have cost them the Ashes and their first Test series defeat to New Zealand in 20 years. The Three Lions’ downfall against Kane Williamson’s men came on day one of the first Test in Eden Park as they capitulated to be dismissed for 58. At one point, the tourists were 27-9 and on the brink of recording England’s lowest Test score, only to be bailed out by Craig Overton.

Joe Root has been England’s best player for the past four years, but even he has shown signs of weakness, enduring a horrific run of failing to convert fifties into centuries. Away from the skipper, there has not been a great deal of support outside of Jonny Bairstow and a couple of huge knocks from Alastair Cook, which masked a number of low scores from the veteran. Mark Stoneman and James Vince failed to convince during their action in the Ashes, although Dawid Malan displayed promise in testing conditions. The Three Lions are going to have find answers to their problems over the next year in order to regain the urn, currently being backed in the latest cricket betting odds at 13/8 to defeat Australia on home soil.

England have major issues replacing key players from the past. Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell left huge voids in the line-up. Cook has had 12 opening partners since the retirement of Strauss in 2012, with Stoneman seeming like the next player to make way from the opening slot alongside the Three Lions’ highest Test run-scorer.

Haseeb Hameed and Nick Gubbins will be battling to replace the Surrey man in the team, although both could come into play by next year should Cook’s struggles continue. Hameed impressed initially when he came into the side against India, but his form in the first-class game for Lancashire was far from inspiring. Gubbins has impressed in the county game for Essex, but the test will come when he eventually makes his bow on the major stage.

Vince was given a third chance by the selectors against New Zealand. The 27-year-old continued to drive loosely outside of his off stump in the Ashes, frustrating himself, team-mates, coaches and supporters alike, losing his place in the side in the process. The Hampshire man has all the shots in the book, but his lack of concentration has resulted in too many failures. His innings of 76 against the Black Caps in Christchurch may have given him more time in the side, although he cannot afford another run of poor form against Pakistan.

Dan Lawrence and Liam Livingstone will also be desperate to knock down the door to earn their first Test caps. As a result, there is a lot of pressure on Vince to fire, while Malan also has a point to prove, although he has a longer leash than his teammate after performing well in Australia. There are no shortages of batsmen in the county game that have the calibre, although taking performances to the next level has become a huge issue for the England Test side.

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