The major question facing England in the three Test series they will play before next summer’s Ashes is how to replace Ben Stokes in their XI. “Again, I will reiterate that it’s not because I don’t think Dan Lawrence is a very good cricketer, I just don’t think he’s a Test match spin bowler. He missed the second Test of the summer (injury) and the second Test of England's series against India (for his court case over the Bristol incident). Playing alongside Stokes, he took four wickets and hit a quick-fire 63 in England’s second innings to inspire an unlikely victory. Curran hasn’t played a Test for England for five years, but, upon Stokes’ retirement, he still looks to be his heir apparent.