England's Test opener does not necessarily have to be a specialist, according to interim coach Marcus Trescothick. Jacob Bethell's return from knee injury for the South Africa tour adds complexity to the top-order selection. Emilio Gay has opened alongside Ben Duckett this summer, making three half-centuries but averaging below 25. Duckett, a senior player, scored England's only summer century against New Zealand in June but averaged less than 24 since the Ashes began. Jordan Cox impressed as Bethell's replacement at number three after debuting this summer, averaging over 42 and having prior first-class opening experience.

Trescothick, a 50-year-old former Somerset player and 2005 Ashes winner, believes the modern game differs from his 76-Test career ending in 2006. He argues players adapt quickly across formats and that planning around a non-specialist opener is viable. Stephen Fleming, New Zealand's new England Test coach, arrives in the UK soon to plan the South Africa trip. Fleming missed the Pakistan series whitewash but will observe white-ball games against Sri Lanka. Former Australia batter Mike Hussey was approached by Fleming but declined. Trescothick confirmed he has a role preference but will not reveal it, citing uncertainty. Kevin Pietersen returns as a white-ball consultant, his first day back occurring Sunday ahead of the Sri Lanka T20 series.