India v England: Trescothick backs Compton to open in first Test
India v England: Somerset batsman Marcus Trescothick expects Nick Compton to open in the first Test next week
Ex-England batsman Marcus Trescothick believes Nick Compton’s experience will see him selected as opener for the first Test against India next week.
The 29-year-old is in a straight shoot-out with Yorkshire’s 21-year-old Joe Root for the position left by Andrew Strauss’ retirement.
“Although I think Joe is a good player, Nick is ready to take that challenge. He’s been around longer and has more experience,” said Trescothick
“I think the selectors want to put him in. He can bat for long periods and seems to soak up pressure very well. I think that’s such an asset in Test cricket.”
Since his move to Taunton, Compton has overhauled his game to ensure that he does exactly that.
The change saw the right-hander finish as the County Championship’s top scorer with an impressive 1,191 runs from 11 matches.
In England’s practice match against Mumbai A, Compton batted through 52 second innings’ overs to hit a gutsy 64 not out after scoring just nought and one in his previous stints in the middle.
Somerset captain Trescothick says that Compton’s strength of character means the grandson of England legend Denis could anchor the England innings for years to come.
“Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook are two of England’s finest at batting for long periods and they could add another one with Nick,” he added.
