A productive batting order is not something that you arrive at by pulling names out of a hat or throwing darts at a board to decide each player's position. The ideal batting order is reached by the captain putting batsmen in the order that best suits their technique and style, as well as allocating them a slot where they feel comfortable. If a player's style and technique is suited to a certain slot but he's not comfortable batting there, then the captain has to produce his most convincing argument to achieve what is best for the team.

In the first Ashes Test both Joe Root and Steven Smith were capable of batting at No. 3. Both players have been reluctant to hold down that position but eventually Root decided it was best for the team if he batted there.

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What he did by batting at three at Edgbaston was effectively stabilise the England top order. His calm and proactive approach to batting finally ended England's long-running top-order collapses, where they typically slid to three down for less than fifty.

If Root stabilised the top order, it was Rory Burns who, like Smith the day before, provided the solid foundation for the innings. Burns is like Smith in that he is not pretty to watch and he's leg-side oriented, but he also displayed the same grit and determination to survive that Smith did.

Burns finally shed his inhibitions and overcame the twin failures against Ireland to play a substantial Test innings. The difference between Burns against Ireland and the player who opened against Australia was palpable and his solidarity allowed England to prosper on a day when runs were hard-earned.