Despite recording a comprehensive 3-0 win over Pakistan, selectors have big decisions to make ahead of England's winter trip to South Africa.
Both Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence have grabbed their opportunity under interim coach Marcus Trescothick, staking major claims for not just a seat on the plane to South Africa, but also a place in the XI.
But, with Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran expected to return from injury by then, their path to a place in the team is far from straightforward.
England haven't exactly being piling it on at the very top of the order, either. Emilio Gay has seen mixed returns from his six career Tests so far and his more experienced partner Ben Duckett failed to muster a score of 20 in six goes against Pakistan.
With Stephen Fleming coming in to take charge for South Africa, in theory, everyone will get a fresh start; potentially signalling a fair bit of change in the batting order.
1. Ben Duckett
Duckett is by far the most accomplished opener that England have available to them for selection and, despite his recent struggles, is almost nailed on to retain his place in the side.
Although he failed to make it past 20 against Pakistan, his Test average of 38.22, coupled with the century that he notched versus New Zealand earlier in the summer means that his spot is locked down.
2. Jordan Cox
There weren't a whole load of batsmen that emerged with credit from the three matches with Pakistan but, in Jordan Cox, it seems as if England have found someone that they can trust.
Dropping Emilio Gay after just six Tests would be a really harsh decision, however, many media personalities and ex-players have began banging the drum for Cox after his resolute knock of 59* that saw his side over the line at Edgbaston.
Whilst a spot right at the very top of the order might not be entirely what he wants, the 25-year-old proven that he can do it in the past at first-class level and stands little chance of shifting Bethell from three in the long-term.
3. Jacob Bethell
Injured for the Pakistan series, there is no doubting that Bethell will return as England's number three this summer.
The 23-year-old burst onto the scene when touring New Zealand in 2024, making scores of 50*, 96 and 76, but injury limited him to just one disappointing appearance against India last summer. However, he made up for it shortly after with a brilliant Ashes century in Sydney.
His move up to opening in ODIs means that he is a possibility to open in the Test side, however, it is likely that England will want to keep him at three.
4. Joe Root
Joe Root's form was bound to come under the microscope at the first signs of drop off after it was announced that he would assume the captaincy for the second time in his career, but the Yorkshireman is the least of England's worries.
Root continued to back himself through a lean period against Pakistan, culminating in a match-winning half-century in the third and final Test in Birmingham.
The jury may still be out on Root's ability to captain a team at England's level, however, his ability to score runs -- and a lot of them -- remains very much intact.
5. Harry Brook
Harry Brook's Test average of 53.08 places him second behind Steve Smith for active players to have played a minimum of 40 matches and he doesn't really look like slowing down.
There has been a slight drop-off compared to his early days in the format, but he remains arguably the best batter in the world.
No England batsman -- not even Root -- has scored more than the 790 runs that Brook has amassed in Test cricket over the last year and he will, barring injury, or maybe more likely disciplinary issues, bat at five in South Africa.
6. Sam Curran
It's common knowledge that Sam Curran would have batted at six against Pakistan was it not for injury and the Northampton-born all-rounder might still get that chance in South Africa, despite Lawrence's good form.
The 28-year-old is probably the next best England can get if they can't have Ben Stokes at six and, although handy, the side won't be as reliant on Lawrence's part-time spin once Bethell returns from his knee problem.
Curran hasn't played Test cricket since 2021 but will make his return a much more accomplished player than he was five years ago.
