Why are young English batsmen failing in Tests?

#3. One-dimensional cricket

England's Gary Ballance is talented lacks intent in his batting

England's first-class cricket hasn't been updated according to the changes that have happened in Test cricket.

The modern Test cricket has multiple facets and batsmen have evolved themselves to stay in the contention. However, the English batsmen have remained old-fashioned and are batting with an approach which cannot neutralize the modern weapons of today's bowlers.

James Vince and Garry Ballance are quality batsmen but they lack the intent which is the core element of contemporary batting style in Test cricket. Keaton Jennings, a solid opening batsman, has an effective defense but he has a habit of getting stuck in a cocoon. His inability to rotate the strike frequently has resulted in his downfall on several occasions.

To excel in Test cricket, a batsman must be flexible in his approach, something which Root does to perfection. Root can play aggressive cricket when the situation demands and can also block one end when the going gets tough. Importantly, he switches from one mindset to the other smoothly.

Unfortunately for England, Root is the only batsmen in the current lot who is capable of delivering such an act.