Rory Burns Will Be the Ideal Replacement for Alastair Cook - Gareth Batty

Former England batsman Gareth Batty believes Surrey batsman Rory Burns will be the ideal replacement for Alastair Cook. Rory Burns was one of the best batsmen of the County season. The southpaw batsman had scored more than 1000 runs as he was instrumental in Surrey triumph in the County Championship. The club went on win the trophy for the first time in 16 years.

On the other hand, Alastair Cook decided to call it a day from his International career. The veteran left-hander bids adieu to the game on a high as he scored 218 runs in his swansong. Thus, England vanguard was instrumental in the win of 118 runs.

Rory Burns was in fine form for Surrey.

Meanwhile, England will have to move on. Keaton Jennings hasn’t been in the best of forms. However, despite scoring a truckload of runs in the domestic circuit, Rory Burns was overlooked by the English selectors.

“If he gets selected – and let’s hope he does – he deserves it,” Batty told BBC Radio 5 live’s Breakfast programme. That’s not me being biased, that’s just fact.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Batty believes the England selectors should not pay attention to batting stance of Rory Burns, which a bit unusual. However, Burns has been productive with the bat.

“From what I’ve heard, his technique is slightly different to what we should say is the norm and they’re slightly sceptical about it, some so-called geniuses involved in selection. I would suggest that it’s about the productivity and not the aesthetic value. His productivity is better than anybody else in the country – barring Alastair, who has been quite magnificent for England and his county. Take him out of the equation – Rory is 100% the only man they can select.”

On the other hand, Surrey’s Director Alec Stewart believes it is pivotal to understand the process. Stewart believes Rory Burns should be patient to get the national call-up.

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“It shouldn’t even be a discussion. He’s done it for four years with us and this year is an even better player. He’s been scoring at home and away, he averages nearly 90 away from the Oval. He is a quick learner and has earned the right to play. I trust the selectors to make the right decision, and then we shall see if he can settle into international cricket”.

Gareth Batty played nine Test matches for England. Meanwhile, Rory Burns will be looking forward to getting a place in England Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka.