Analysing England's 5 best opening options in Tests and ODIs

Hales and Roy opened during the Australia series

One-Day Internationals

England’s brash new approach in ODI cricket is a welcome change from the dour, backwards style they endorsed for far too long. Trevor Bayliss’ appointment of coach is welcome and the new team showed plenty of promise during their ODI series this summer against Australia and New Zealand - the world champions and the runners-up.

A period of experimentation should be expected now ahead of the next two major ICC events - the 2017 Champions Trophy - and 2019 World Cup - which will both be held in England.

If they can find the right combination, the next four years could be their best chance to finally win a first ICC 50-over competition. But who should front the powerful batting lineup?

Alex Hales and Jason Roy

Alex Hales and Jason Roy have been the lead-off men this summer for England but have yet to translate flashes of brilliance into anything more meaningful. Hales in particular, disappointed, managing just 53 runs from the five ODIs against Australia, and his efforts in 50-over internationals are a far cry from his typically dominant performances in Twenty20s.

Roy fared better versus the Aussies, hitting two fifties and failing to pass 30 only once - his ODI strike rate is also over 100, meaning England are assured of a brisk start even if Roy’s stay at the crease is a short one.

That said, neither have cemented their place, so there is scope for a few county cricketers to make their name at international level.

Moeen Ali

The new-look England team - which came into place after a dreadful World Cup campaign - had no room for Moeen Ali as an opener, but he has found a slot at number seven. A versatile player, his typically economical spin bowling means he is a key part of England’s plans, and therefore, a potential opener again if required.

He has two ODI centuries - both in the past 12 months - but was inconsistent at the top of the order. Moving Moeen back to the position would be a regressive step but he does at least have experience in the role.

Josh Cobb

Cobb of Northants

Josh Cobb was expected to breakthrough after bursting onto the county scene, but he has flattered to deceive of late. He left struggling Leicestershire along with a host of other players after the 2014 season, and the 25-year-old now plies his trade at Northamptonshire.

His List A record is commendable, with six tons and a 38 average from 68 matches. Most importantly, his strike rate of 94 is just what Bayliss’ England is searching for. If the explosive opener gets his mojo back, he will be nipping at the heels of the incumbents.

Luke Wright

Luke Wright has flitted in and out of the England side over the past few years and his style of play suits the new regime. The hard-hitting all-rounder has never truly excelled as an opener or a finisher for them, but he remains a consistent performer in domestic cricket.

Now 30 years old, Wright should be coming into his prime and, although he is out of the loop at the moment, if England do go after a like-for-like replacement for Hales or Roy, the Sussex cricketer could find himself back in the frame.

Final Thoughts

Roy looks safe for the foreseeable future, but after an awful series against Australia, Hales is under threat. His only saving grace for now is the lack of genuine alternatives. While Moeen, Cobb and Wright are capable, none have given any indication recently that they could do a better job.

It is now imperative for Hales that he utilises the lack of competition to his benefit and consolidates himself at the top. If he delivers in the Tests, it may just give him the confidence to succeed in the shorter format.