I've got a feeling that Curran's success, albeit only in one test match thus far, has encouraged our selectors more to select and have a look at these exceptional young players, rather than to fall back on previous failures.
I'm not sure where I would like Pope to bat. The argument could be made that Buttler or Bairstow could bat 4, but Buttler arguably hasn't done enough to warrant that high a batting position. Bairstow is certainly good enough, but having our wicket keeper bat at 4 doesn't sit well with me personally. Seems like too much on his shoulders in a five day game. Many would argue that Pope has batted 6 for Surrey and should bat there, but if he averages 60 then he can surely bat at 4 and be somewhat successful. I mean if we're following the Buttler logic where some people argue he's wasted down the order, isn't it better to bat higher anyway?
I think I'm leaning towards Pope at 4 for these reasons. Hopefully we line up like this, bearing in mind that Stokes won't play (at least he likely won't, unless we experience a miracle.)
Cook
Jennings
Root
Pope
Bairstow
Buttler
Curran
Woakes
Rashid
Broad
Anderson
Will be interesting to see who bats higher between Curran and Woakes. Personally think Curran has more than deserved a promotion in the absence of Stokes, considering his batting very much won us the game in the last test. I don't think Woakes has achieved this level of batting in test matches yet, though he has more than served a purpose in our ODI batting line up on numerous occassions.
