The retirement of former England captain Alistair Cook in September 2018 has left the team looking for a new opening batsman to partner Keaton Jennings in the Sri Lanka winter tour of 2018/2019.
Cook, 33,announced that he would be retiring from international cricket after the fifth test against India. After 161 tests and more runs than any other England test player, Cook stated that he feels “the timing is right”.
His retirement means that a shift in batting personnel is needed. England’s number 2 Keaton Jennings is expected to retain his place, with his temperament and previous form in Sri Lankan conditions standing him in good stead. However a partner for Jennings is at the top of the England selector’s minds. The Division one County Championship top scorer Rory Burns will tour with the squad and is being tipped to open, but with Joe Denly also touring as a cover batsman it is unclear as to who will definitely be partnering Keaton Jennings on November 6th in Galle.
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