Agree with CHAPPERS re Hales. He was learning as a test opener and has matured in the way he plays from what I've seen.
Get him in now and we can see how he fares v SA and the Windies ahead of more important matches..... I'm convinced that given a decent run he could be the answer.
The last...
Talking of chasing lost causes, my son was playing in a quarter final for Sheffield U10s v Huddersfield U10s on Friday and after restricting Hudds to 112/7 in 30 overs, it was looking good.
In reply we were 0/4 off four balls with two Yorkshire players back in the shed....
Yeah it's a shame with Ballance as he seems a decent bloke and his County record this season has been exceptional. But he's been completely found out at test level. The top bowlers know exactly how to get him out and at number 3, he's a liability.
What in God's name are you on about? Root came in when we were 3/2. He had to counter attack to give us a chance. Along with Balance and YJB he dug us out of a massive hole. Only to get done by a great delivery, and then the rest collapsed.
Did you watch Root's innings? It was far from "one day...