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We take a look at England's options to replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the order on the tour of India.

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We look at England's options to replace Strauss at top of the order

With Andrew Strauss announcing his retirement, one-day international captain Alastair Cook was the automatic choice to lead England's Test side. Yet the most difficult decision may be still to come, with many players vying to partner Cook and replace Strauss as Test opener. Whether it be the introduction of players into the Test set-up or a re-jig of the batting order, England's selectors will have a decision to make for the series with India in November. We take a look at the potential candidates. Joe Root The 21-year-old has been touted as the man most likely to succeed Strauss after he followed an England Lions century against West Indies with a first-class best 222 not out against Hampshire in July. The Yorkshireman would seemingly be the first choice if England's selectors are planning to look towards the future. Michael Carberry After Strauss was rested for the tour of Bangladesh in 2009-10, Carberry was selected as his replacement. Scores of 30 and 34 were not enough to retain his place after the first Test - which remains his only cap. Injury and illness since have seen him fall down the pecking order which left him out of the recent England Lions series against Australia A. Jonathan Trott Many see the Warwickshire batsman as the ideal replacement for Strauss, however, that would lead to a complete re-shape of England's batting order. His form at three has been crucial to England's recent success but his elevation could allow a rookie to be ushered in further down down the order ahead of a tough tour of India. Nick Compton The South African-born right-hander became the first batsmen to score 1000 first-class runs before the end of May in 25 years earlier this season. He was picked for the England Lions - opening the batting the first unofficial Test against Australia A - and despite injury remains the top-scorer in the first division with 1,036 runs at 86.33. Kevin Pietersen The player who overshadowed the recent Test defeat to South Africa and who many have said contributed to Strauss' decision to retire. The 32-year-old was part of the England squad in three Ashes triumphs and turned opener to good effect in the 50-over game - scoring back-to-back tons against Pakistan earlier this year - before his limited overs retirement. However, doubts still remain over whether he has an international future and his inclusion in upcoming Test squads appear unlikely for now.

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