England's warm-up matches before the first Test against South Africa will go a long way to determining who bats in the No. 3 spot, coach Trevor Bayliss says.
"Probably in my mind, I've got a little thought who it might be, but we've got two very important practice matches before the first Test which could go a long way to us finalising that position," the Australian said of the battle between Nick Compton and Gary Ballance to follow the openers in the Test team.
Captain Alastair Cook also addressed the issue at the team's first news conference since their arrival for the four-Test series starting in Durban on Boxing Day.
"We don't know our best XI quiet yet which is an indication of where we are as a side in terms of the inconsistency, so there are a lot of things up for grabs and a lot of (opportunity) for people to make a name for themselves," Cook said.
"The net sessions over the next days will be particularly intense with everyone trying to put themselves forward."
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Bayliss confirmed that Alex Hales will open with Cook and added Ben Stokes will be fit for the Test after recovering from a shoulder injury.
"He's been batting and bowling for a few weeks now," Bayliss said.
Steven Finn, playing for England A against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates after recovering from injury, could also be called over for the series in South Africa.
"There are one or two small hurdles to get over but the signs are looking good," the coach noted.
"If he can get through pain free and bowling well, I'd expect to see him here at some stage."
Bayliss played down suggestions England could take advantage of a South African side who lost 3-0 in their Test series in India last month.
"I don't think that really matters because to win away from home is very difficult.
"The simple thing is that we are playing the best team (in the Test rankings) at home and we are under no illusions that it's going to be a difficult tour."
England play their first warm-up match against a South African Invitation XI in Potchefstroom from December 15-17 and face a similar selection side in Pietermaritzburg from December 20-22.
