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OVER AND OUT

Nick Compton’s England career in doubt after latest flop as Alastair Cook’s men close in on Sri Lanka whitewash

Middlesex man now fails as an opener after stepping up due to skipper's injury on day three at Lord's

NICK COMPTON trudged from the field with thousands sitting in the Compton Stand watching the end of his Test career.
It was a painful spectacle as this desperate-to-succeed batsman made his exit after edging a catch behind off a Sri Lankan seam bowler called Shaminda Eranga.
Nick Compton must know his Test career is probably over as he reflects on his dismissal
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Nick Compton must feel his Test career is over as he reflects on his dismissal

An innings of 19 was nowhere near enough to reprieve Compton from the axe when England next play Test cricket against Pakistan on July 14.
Even promotion to his favourite position as opening batsman – because Alastair Cook was injured – could not coax the innings from Compton that he required.
Another player desperately short of runs is James Vince, who was bowled offering no shot yesterday and has managed 54 runs in his first four Test innings. England will persevere with him, though.
The stark facts show that, since his 85 against South Africa on Boxing Day, Compton has failed to make a half-century in any form of cricket for either England or Middlesex.
Shaminda Eranga celebrates dismissing out-of-form Nick Compton on day three
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Shaminda Eranga celebrates dismissing out-of-form Nick Compton on day three

The curtain came down on his international dreams at the ground where his legendary grandfather Denis achieved iconic status.
Denis was a dazzling talent and insouciant character whether batting for Middlesex or dashing down the wing for Arsenal. He was the original Brylcreem Boy who helped lift a nation in the years of austerity and rationing after the Second World War.
By contrast, Nick appears earnest, intense and wracked by self-doubt.
Durham left-hander Scott Borthwick, who also bowls wrist-spin and fields athletically, is strong favourite to take Compton’s slot. His county team-mate Mark Stoneman, Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond, Essex’s Tom Westley and Sam Robson of Middlesex will also be discussed.

Steven Finn helps England build a useful lead on second innings against the outclassed tourists
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Steven Finn helps England build a useful lead against the outclassed tourists
Of course, Ian Bell would probably score more runs than all of them. But England will look to the future rather than go back to the Warwickshire captain.
With Compton, Joe Root and Vince all failing, England were 50-3 in their second innings and reached 109-4 by the close of day three in the Investec Third Test – an overall lead of 237.
Assistant-coach Paul Farbrace said: “It’s been a tough series for Nick - batsmen are in the team to score runs. He’s shown glimpses but glimpses aren’t always enough.
“I thought he shaped up nicely today, looked composed and in good touch. You can see how frustrated he was by that dismissal.”
England bowled superbly in the first half of the day, reducing Sri Lanka from their overnight 162-1 to 288 all out.
Chris Woakes took a wicket with his first ball of day, a happy contrast to Friday when Jonny Bairstow dropped catch off the first ball he sent down.
Middlesex star Nick Compton hits out during a rare flourish in his knock of 19
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 Middlesex star Nick Compton hits out during a rare flourish in his knock of 19Credit: Reuters / Andrew Boyers

The England seamers, skilfully executing plans for each Sri Lankan batsman, steadily worked their way through the order.

Cook was struck on the left leg while fielding at silly point and soon left the field with vice-captain Root taking over. An x-ray revealed bruising, but no break, but he was unable to bat on day three. His fitness will be assessed this morning.

Cook’s absence meant England sent out a pair of right-handers to open the batting for the first time since Michael Vaughan and Robert Key in 2002.

Compton played a couple of tasty offside back foot shots and a rasping pull, but then nibbled at Eranga.

After 16 Tests and an average just below 30, that will be it for Compo.

Root was undone by a shooter during a fine spell by Nuwan Pradeep and he has endured his most barren series with 80 in the Second Test at Chester-le-Street his only worthwhile contribution.

Vince departed for a golden duck and the manner of his dismissal – shouldering arms to a ball that came down the slope – was at best a massive error of judgement or, at worst, betraying a scrambled mind.

Bairstow was bowled for 32 heaving across the line and, although both Alex Hales and nightwatchman Steven Finn could have been out in the final 15 minutes, they survived.

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