England still undecided on Cook’s partner

England Test captain Alastair Cook says they have still not decided who will be his opening partner in the first Test against the West Indies starting on the 13 April.
Ever since Andrew Strauss retired in 2012, England have struggled to fill the void at the top of the order. Nick Compton, Michael Carberry and Sam Robson were all given a chance but none have shown the necessary consistency needed at the highest level.
With Gary Ballance seemingly secured in the number three slot and Ian Bell and Joe Root settled in the middle-order, the spot at the top of the order is a straight fight between the returning Jonathan Trott and Yorkshire's Adam Lyth, who was the County Championship's top run-scorer last season.
Trott, who has missed more than year of international cricket trying to overcome a stress-related illness, made a successful comeback into domestic cricket, hitting three centuries at the back end of the season.
Cook said: "We're lucky in one sense that we're choosing between two very good players. Ever since Straussy announced his retirement we haven't quite found consistency in that position so whoever gets that chance gets the opportunity to try and nail that down.
"But we haven't discussed that yet.
"Trott has almost demanded selection and it's great for me to see him back in an England shirt. He's a great guy and if he gets his chance he'll be desperate to do well. It would be his 50th game as well which is a great achievement if he gets there."
The decision on the opening slot, and the make-up of the team, for the first Test in Antigua will be decided after England play two warm-up games in St Kitts.
Latest
-
News
Heavy defeat on the cards for England after Ravichandran Ashwin ton
The tourists require a world record 482.
-
News
India increase lead over England to more than 400 runs on day three in Chennai
The tourists face an uphill battle to preserve their lead in the series.
-
News
India lead grows but Ben Foakes helps England spinners hit back
The hosts were 351 ahead at lunch on day three in Chennai.
-
News
Graham Thorpe admits England need something special to avoid second Test defeat
Joe Root’s tourists are on the back foot in Chennai.
-
News
England facing second Test defeat as India dominate in Chennai
After dismissing the hosts for 329 in the first hour Joe Root’s side were taken down for just 134.
-
News
England avoid follow on mark but face uphill battle against India in Chennai
India rolled the tourists for just 134 in under less 60 overs.
-
News
England staring down huge first-innings deficit as India press home advantage
The entire top order was gone with just 87 on the board.
-
News
Early wickets undermine England’s cause in Chennai
Captain Joe Root was one of four batsman to fall as the tourists slipped to 39 for four.
-
News
India v England, day two: Rohit Sharma takes the lead after Moeen Ali magic
Rohit piled up 18 fours and two sixes on his way to a free-flowing 161, a wonderful performance that drove the hosts to 300 for six.