England coach Trevor Bayliss admits competition for places is fierce ahead of India clash
England coach Trevor Bayliss has indicated Jos Buttler and Haseeb Hameed are fighting it out to replace Gary Ballance in his side’s batting line-up for Wednesday’s first Test against India.
Gary Ballance toiled as England failed to win the Test series against Bangladesh
Ballance will be dropped after averaging just six in the recently-drawn series in Bangladesh.
It means Buttler is favourite to win a recall for the first time since being dropped against Pakistan in the UAE last winter as England look to fill the No4 position in their order for the series opener in Rajkot.
Haseeb Hameed is in contention to replace Gary Ballance for England
Annual all-at-sea cricket match takes place
England will also have to choose whether to go with three spinners as they did in Bangladesh or pick an extra seamer in Jake Ball.
“When we see the wicket we’ll make a decision,” added Bayliss.