It is Test cricket's equivalent of a lonely hearts advert: experienced opener seeks partner for meaningful relationship. Yet for England captain Alastair Cook it is no joke. Since former skipper and first-wicket colleague Andrew Strauss retired in 2012, left-hander Cook has had six partners at the top of the order.
This season saw Adam Lyth join a list that includes Nick Compton, Joe Root, Michael Carberry, Sam Robson and Jonathan Trott, who has since retired from Test duty Compton's nine appearances and 17 innings are the most any of the sextet have so far managed alongside Cook, although Root has flourished at four and five. Yorkshire's Lyth made a Test hundred against New Zealand at his Headingley home ground but struggled during the Ashes, averaging a mere 12.77 in England's 3-2 series win over Australia. Lyth's place is now under threat ahead of England's departure to the United Arab Emirates in October for three Tests against Pakistan.
Before the year is out, England also head to South Africa - where fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel will be waiting for Cook's men. Moeen Ali has been touted as a possible replacement for Lyth in the UAE, a move that would allow England to play two spinners on pitches known to aid turn. Ali, however, has struggled against out-and-out quick bowling in Test cricket, suggesting he may not be suited to opening in South Africa.
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