Marcus Trescothick says England might field non-specialist Test openers
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 13, 2026, 11:02 AM
Last updated Sep 13, 2026
Interim England coach Marcus Trescothick says the Test side may not require specialist openers for the upcoming tour of South Africa in December. The comments follow a season where Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett operated at the top of the order, with Gay averaging under 25 and Duckett struggling since the Ashes. Selection decisions are complicated by the pending return of Jacob Bethell from a knee injury and the recent performance of Jordan Cox, who averaged over 42 after debuting at number three. Incoming coach Stephen Fleming is expected to coordinate strategy for the South Africa trip after completing his arrival in the UK. Meanwhile, the white-ball coaching staff will undergo restructuring, with Kevin Pietersen joining as a consultant for the series against Sri Lanka.
- •Marcus Trescothick believes England can adapt its batting order rather than relying strictly on specialist openers.
- •Jacob Bethell is expected to return from a knee injury for the December tour of South Africa.
- •Stephen Fleming is set to begin his role as England's new Test coach.
- •Kevin Pietersen joins the England white-ball staff as a consultant ahead of the Sri Lanka T20 series.
- •The England white-ball and Test coaching setups are facing potential reorganization.
- 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Opener may not have to be specialist - Trescothick
- 11:02 AMBBC Sport — Opener may not have to be specialist - Trescothick
"England’s Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist at the top of the order, according to Marcus Trescothick.
"England’s Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist at the top of the order, according to Marcus Trescothick.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 13, 2026, 11:02 AMOpener may not have to be specialist - Trescothick
England’s Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist at the top of the order, according to Marcus Trescothick.
- BBC SportSep 13, 2026, 11:02 AMOpener may not have to be specialist - Trescothick
England’s Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist at the top of the order, according to Marcus Trescothick.
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