Chris Rogers bats for Ian Bell as England opener for Bangladesh series

Rogers believes that Bell still has it in him to make an England comeback and even excel as an opener

Former Australian cricketer, Chris Rogers, made a brave call following Alex Hales’ decision to withdraw from England’s upcoming tour of Bangladesh due to security concerns claiming that the English selectors should rope in Ian Bell as skipper Alastair Cook’s opening partner for the Test leg of the tour. The Somerset skipper also offered his backing to Durham’s Keaton Jennings should the selectors look for a like-for-like replacement for Hales. 

Opinions are divided over the decision taken by Hales as well as ODI skipper Eoin Morgan to withdraw from the tour despite assurances by the security wing of the ECB. Rogers feels it is unfair to criticise the duo as he himself is unsure what decision he would have taken under the circumstances. 

"I’m not in that position and I don’t really know," Rogers said when asked what he would do if he were in Morgan’s shoes. "I think I would have listened to what the security officers had advised on and then gone from there. I’ve never toured that part of the world either, never really been to India unfortunately, or Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, and it’s just hard to know.”

Now that Hales has confirmed his non-availability, the English selectors are on the lookout for an opener and as far as the Test side is concerned, Rogers believes that Bell could be a risk worth taking despite not being in stand-out form. 

“He’s a player who could manage that (opening the batting)," Rogers said referring to Bell. "I still think he’s young enough to have another phase in his career, it’s whether the England selectors want to go down that path. He’s a fine player with a very good record. You’d be silly to dismiss thoughts about bringing him back into the side."

Rogers had words of high praise for Keaton Jennings whom he believes should be England’s first-choice if they are looking for a genuine opener to take along to Bangladesh. 

"There’s a guy who’s been a standout this year in Keaton Jennings," Rogers said. "He’s already scored 1,500 runs and scored his seventh century (of the season) today, and it was a double-century (200no against Surrey).  As an opener, he has a very simple game and I like that.

“He plays very straight, he accumulates, grinds out runs, and makes himself difficult to get out.  He’s actually quite tall for an opener; he’s probably close to 6’2” (188cm) and can use his reach to his advantage.  

"There’s a lot to like about him. He’s looked a different player this year to what I’ve seen of him before.  Whether (England selectors) want to see him back that up again (next season) who knows, but it’s been an exceptional season by him and you have to respect what he’s achieved so far,” he added.

The 39-year-old also had his say on other probables vying for the opener’s slot but still prefers Jennings by a long way as he feels that his consistency throughout the County season has been too good to ignore. 

"There’s a young kid called Haseeb Hameed and he’s looked quite impressive. Sam Robson, his second half of the season has fallen away a bit with injury, as has Scott Borthwick.  If you’re going to reward performance then Keaton Jennings (should be selected)," Rogers said.