Compton prepared for spin examination

Uncapped batsman Nick Compton is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for a stern test of his technique on England’s tour of India.

The 29-year-old earned his first international call-up on the back of a prolific summer in which he hit 1191 County Championship runs at an average of 99.25. Compton topped the Division One batting averages despite missing five matches through injury.

Sport news networks are reporting that he Somerset man has now fully recovered from his back problem and is in line to replace Andrew Strauss at the top of the England order. Joe Root, who is also uncapped, is another option along with regular number three Jonathan Trott.

Whoever takes the field for England in the first Test in Ahmedabad on November 15 will be subjected to a spin examination. England have an unwanted reputation as poor players of spin bowling, something which will not be lost on the hosts.

Compton is well aware of what will be waiting for him in the sub-continent and has taken steps to combat the impending threat.

“In my batting I am trying to replicate the sorts of angles and situations that I might find out in India,” Compton told news sport networks.

“I have been facing Monty Panesar in the nets at Lord’s, which has been very good practice for me because there is going to be plenty of spin bowling to face out there.

“I have had a couple of sessions with Graham (Thorpe) at Lord’s. In between that I have been trying to give myself a bit of a break before setting off, because it will be a tough trip.”

England face three warm-up matches before the opening Test. Compton will be keen to show he will not be overawed by one of international cricket’s toughest challenges – facing India in India.

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