As a result, the Three Lions are in need of even stronger performances from their established players. However, standout displays from the players that have been recalled into the side would be a major boost for the team, especially in the middle order. Tom Westley was given the entire summer to prove his worth for the tour, but after a spell in the side against South Africa and the West Indies he was discarded for the winter.

There was common belief that the Three Lions would attempt to fill his absence with new players. However, the selectors made the surprising decision to recall Vince and Ballance into the fold for the Ashes, despite their struggles during their respective Test careers.

Ballance is now likely to embark on his fourth run in the side, having failed to lock down his place in the team. He had great difficulty against the pace of the South African seamers during the summer before a broken finger ended his series, paving the way for Westley to start.