England's batting line-up for the tour of South Africa

James Whitaker was delighted to inform Gary Ballance and Nick Compton of their England recalls, and believes that they offer plenty of options to Alastair Cook and Trevor Bayliss as they ponder their batting line-up for the Test series in South Africa.

Ian Bell was left out of the squad, but Whitaker believes the 33-year-old still has an England future.

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[amanjuthani]

I feel as if such with compton, moeen should be given a few more chances in the role as opener as he is not a regular opener in first-class matches whereas compton has been an opener/#3 for most/all of his career. If Alex Hales is to become an opener it should be after 1st or 2nd test.

[callumeva]

Bell should be in this, it's a joke....