Compton sends England a message

Nick Compton sent England's selectors a reminder of his qualities on his 30th birthday with an innings of 81 for Somerset against Australia at Taunton.

Compton was not selected for the England warm-up match against Essex this weekend, suggesting that Joe Root is the firm favourite to open the batting in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on July 10.

But on his home ground Compton, who scored just 39 runs when opening in the two Tests against New Zealand in May, compiled a patient 81 off 144 balls.

His innings featured 13 boundaries as he shared a second-wicket partnership of 170 with Chris Jones.

Compton eventually fell to a catch from Australia skipper Michael Clarke off the bowling of off-spinner Nathan Lyon.