Haines in the sort of form that can force him back into the England set-up

TOM Haines believes he is batting better now than when he first burst on to the scene and caught the attention of England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key.

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Just days before landing his current role, Key described Haines as a “bloody good player” in April 2022 although Sussex’s left-handed opener is still waiting for his first senior call-up three years on.

England’s top order is unsettled, with Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope short of runs, while Ben Duckett, who did not return to the Test side until he was 28, is seemingly the only secure batter in the top three.

Haines is not dwelling on issues out of his control and is instead enjoying his first taste of Division One in the Rothesay County Championship as he leads the run charts with 513 at an average of 73.28.