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I think is is based upon the fact that the Selectors have no faith in other openers currently playing in County cricket,
and,
the Ed Smith plan of selecting the best (fit) players and leaving Bayliss, Root & Buttler to find a batting order. (Smith denies any input into Moeen at 3). Ben Stokes does seem to have found a slower gear, presumably to show he has a sense of responsibility after his Bristol escapade.
Simon Hughes, Vic Marks and Steve James to name three suggesting Bairstow opening