England wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes will find it difficult to make his way into England’s starting line-up for the five-Test series against India, despite being recalled to the side for the series, says former England cricketer Mark Butcher. England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum are among a number of questions surrounding England’s team selection for the series, which also includes Ollie Pope’s return from injury, the retirement of Stuart Broad, and the selection of three spinners with just one cap between them.
Foakes had been dropped for the Ashes, with Bairstow taking his place at the top of the order. Foakes had been out for the winter with an ankle injury, and by the time he returned, Harry Brook had become untouchable and Foakes had been made redundant.
With a full set of players to choose from in India and the added factor of turning pitches, Foakes is arguably England’s best gloveman, and seven out of his last 20 Tests have been in Asia.
However, speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Butcher explained how England’s lack of all-rounders meant it was hard to see how Foakes could make it into the XI.
No place for Foakes: Butcher
“I don’t see how they can play him, as much as I think he should be in the side,” Butcher said.
“I do not see how they can get him in and play a balanced attack with five bowlers that includes two spin bowlers, three seamers and have enough batting. Just can’t see how they do it, I’m afraid. Ollie Pope might not play anyway. England’s No.3 up until the shoulder injury might not get into the side anyhow. Stokes will bat at five or six. I can’t see England wanting to go in with five specialist batters, Foakes at six, and then five bowlers after that because they haven’t got the all-rounders out there, so honestly I don’t see how they get him in,” Butcher said.
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