England's interim coach Marcus Trescothick has stated that the team's Test opener does not necessarily need to be a specialist at the top of the order. His comments come as England faces decisions on player accommodation, particularly with Jacob Bethell's return from injury for the December tour of South Africa.
Emilio Gay, who has opened alongside Ben Duckett this summer, has made three half-centuries but ends the season with an average below 25. Duckett, a senior player, scored England's only century of the summer against New Zealand, but averaged less than 24 since the Ashes began.
Jordan Cox, Bethell's replacement at number three, has impressed with an average over 42 and has opened in first-class cricket previously. Bethell himself has been considered a potential opener and has moved to open in England's one-day team.
Trescothick will hand over the coaching reins to New Zealander Stephen Fleming, who is expected to arrive in the UK soon to plan for the South Africa trip. Fleming, appointed England's new Test coach in July, missed the recent 3-0 series win against Pakistan.
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has been appointed as a consultant for the white-ball team, returning to the national set-up 12 years after his departure. The 46-year-old's first day back is today, Sunday, as preparations begin for the first T20 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.