Former England captain turned veteran commentator Nasser Hussain has said that England batsman Jonny Bairstow can be a good option at the No.3 position in the longer format. His comments came as Zak Crawley is out of form and Hussain feels that Bairstow could be given a chance in that position.

Meanwhile, England captain Joe Root has at times promoted himself to the No.3 position. But, Nasser Hussain doesn’t want him to do so as he is in sublime form at No.4. In his column for The Daily Mail, Nasser Hussain explained why Bairstow is a better option at No.3.

“Joe Root, the captain and — by a distance — best player, is unwilling to move up a place, England would be shooting themselves in the foot by risking the runs he scores at No 4. That potentially leaves Jonny Bairstow as a makeshift No 3. He’s had problems in the past against the moving red ball, but he has tightened up his technique — he now goes back and across — so he could be an option,” Nasser Hussain wrote.

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However, the opening department has also been another concern for England as the openers have failed to stabilize the ship and post runs on the board. Both Rory Burns and Dom Sibley are under pressure to perform as in-form Haseeb Hameed is waiting as well.

And, Nasser Hussain has revealed that Hameed can replace Sibley as he has been in stunning form of late. He also believed Burns deserves another chance. Notably, the first Test has ended in a draw after the final day was washed out when India were needed 157 runs to win with 9 wickets in hand as well.

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“If they’re keen for Hameed to play, then I would have no problem with him replacing Dom Sibley. Rory Burns was player of the series against New Zealand, so he can’t be dropped after one bad game, and if you’re picking on potential, Hameed edges Sibley,” Nasser Hussain stated.