Arthur Crabtree wrote:They'd have to leave out Moeen for that to work, as he's the predicted opener. They'd still have to leave someone out.
Not really as Hales was brought in to replace Lyth so if he doesn't open and Bell does then Taylor comes into Bell's position.
Cook
Bell
Taylor
Root
Bairstow
Stokes
Buttler
Moeen
Rashid
Two Pacemen
Alternatively Stokes or Buttler are replaced by an extra paceman. The bowling situation hasn't changed at all. Either Stokes is third seamer or someone else is chosen.
I'm not suggesting Bell should open but why didn't Hales and Ali open together today unless they have something else in mind.