In-form Haines feels he is batting better than ever

Opener 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.

- by Harriet Sutton

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.