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.
Well ECB have gambled fully on Bayliss leading England to winning the world cup. If they don't the last 4 years will have been a disaster as the test team has drastically declined as a result.
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.