Atherton expects Compton to be dropped

Michael Atherton believes Nick Compton will be overlooked for the Test series against Pakistan after failing to make an impact in England's series victory over Sri Lanka.

The Middlesex batsman was out for 19 on Saturday as an opener.

Michael Atherton believes Nick Compton will be overlooked for the Test series against Pakistan after failing to make an impact in England's series victory over Sri Lanka.

Compton made 85 and 49 against South Africa back in January in his first Test since 2013, but has not managed a half-century in the six Tests since that encouraging return to the international scene in Durban.

The Middlesex batsman was out for 19 on Saturday as an opener due to an injury to captain Alastair Cook after making just a solitary run in the first innings in the third and final Test at Lord's this week.

And former England skipper Atherton expects Compton to miss out on a place in the side for the upcoming four-match series against Pakistan.

"He just hasn't got going this season, he hasn't got a fifty in any form of cricket this year. He had his opportunity still, when many judges thought he wouldn't get picked for this series." Atherton told Sky Sports.

"He's had three games, but not taken that opportunity, and I'm afraid I think that will be it for Nick Compton. Somebody else will be given a go against Pakistan.

"It's a cruel game at times, but you have to perform, otherwise someone else will come in and perform in place of you. That is the brutal truth of sport.

"His career average of 28.70, and particularly his average of 12.75, at the age he is, 32, it's time for other players like Scott Borthwick, who will be pushing for a place now.

"The series victory in South Africa bought him time, but it only buys you so much time, and at the end of the day you have to perform. He's had that opportunity, but has just not got going this year."

Former opening batsman Atherton thinks the England selectors will keep the faith with James Vince despite a disappointing start to his Test career.

"The jury is out [on Vince] but he'll play against Pakistan," he said.

"What we know happens though is that Compton will go, someone else comes in and then the pressure transfers to someone like James Vince.

He'll get his opportunity against Pakistan, but he needs runs and there will be pressure to perform."