Decisions, decisions

I feel as if I need to get this one out of the way; everyone is talking about it, and lots of different people have lots of different opinions, so here's mine...

England's greatest captain (in my humble opinion) shocked us all at the end of last month by stepping down from all forms of cricket for his country. He did it in exactly the same fashion in which he conducted his whole career; professionally, maturely and with dignity.

But this post isn't about Strauss' career or his decision to retire, but about the void he leaves and how England fill it.

The most important question is: who opens the batting in India with the new England Test captain, Alastair Cook? Do you promote Jonathan Trott from three, Ian Bell from 5, trust the weight of county runs in Nick Compton or throw in the fearless youth of Joe Root?

Let's start from the top. If you promote Trott, then who is dependable enough to stride out into the fray during the evening session, one down, against a world-class attack and a swinging ball, and be as unflappable as Trott? Currently, in my opinion, nobody. So we move onto Bell. Technically one of the best batsmen in the world and could undoubtedly bat anywhere in the top six. But his experience in the middle-order is invaluable. He adds a vitally important steady-hand to combat the exuberance of the likes of Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow, James Taylor and Ravi Bopara. A middle order without him looks very fragile indeed. 20-2 could quickly become 50-5.

That leaves the two new boys, Root and Compton. The former is the only genuine opener of the two and certainly one for the future. But Nick Compton, at the age of 29, has earned his call-up and form would suggest you need look no further. But, perhaps there is a way you can find a spot for both of them in the line up?

An argument I've heard against selecting Root, is that it is a harsh baptism of fire against a strong Indian bowling-attack at home. A stadium fortress atmosphere Root certainly would not have combated before. But my argument is this: the last England opener to début in India was also aged 21, and he hasn't done too badly, has he?