South Africa vs England: Nick Compton determined to make a success of his 'second coming'

Second coming: Nick Compton
(Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Rory Dollard19 December 2015

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since Nick Compton played the last of his nine Tests for England, but the batsman believes he can make a success of his "second coming".

Compton, grandson of the great Denis, wore the Three Lions from November 2012 to May 2013 but was dropped on the eve of his first Ashes series.

The reasons for that have since been debated at length - a tense, turgid innings against New Zealand at Headingley was seen as the final straw, but his relationship with captain Alastair Cook and then coach Andy Flower was also subject to speculation.

While there are differing opinions on quite where it went wrong, for the best part of two and a half years there seemed to be a consensus that Compton would not be back.

At times the man himself seemed to share that view, giving honest but potentially damaging accounts of his treatment by the national side.

But plentiful runs built on a sound technique at Middlesex caught the eye of current head coach Trevor Bayliss and he is inked in to bat at three in tomorrow's three-day warm-up against South Africa A and the first Test on Boxing Day.

"For sure there were times when I questioned whether I'd be back, no doubt about it," admitted the 32-year-old.

"But the hunger and desire were always there. When it happened, inside I still felt I had some more to give but whether it happened or not I wasn't sure. But having it happen I'm just absolutely delighted.

"Ultimately, yes, it's a second coming for me. I just feel...grateful is the word I would use to be a part of this team, to be on a tour of South Africa with an England shirt on is, without being too cliched, a dream come true."

Compton accepts he has been candid in his views on England in the past, but never felt he had gone too far and denied any rift existed with the skipper.

"There is no problem there, I have always got on very well with Cooky," he said.

"I thought I was honest but I didn't feel I was unfair or ever thinking that comments I was making would put a line through my name.

"When it's a place you have worked for for a number of years and dreamt of as a kid and you lose it, it does hit you quite hard.

"But for the last year or so I think I have definitely put that behind me and the move to Middlesex has helped.

"We will see what happens in the series but hopefully I can take my chance with both hands this time."

The only hint of his previous dissatisfaction comes when he compares the current regime to his earlier experiences.

"The England environment now is a very positive one," he explained.

"It's relaxed but professional and I think that's great.

"People are allowed to go and express themselves. The coaches are here to help and support but it's very much up to you."

The resumption of Compton's career comes on familiar territory. He was born and raised in Durban and attended Hilton College, close to the Pietermaritzburg Oval, where the South Africa A match takes place.

But there is familiarity too for England, who may see a little of Jonathan Trott - their most successful number three of recent times - in Compton.

Both men are deep thinkers on the game, put a high price on their wicket and look to build solid foundations for more natural strokeplayers.

Compton made a methodical 58 in Potchefstroom in last week's tour match against an Invitational XI, helping to dull the new ball for a powerful middle order.

"It's a role I enjoy, I like showing a bit of character and a bit of fight at the top of the order because sometimes you need that," he said.

"I want to contribute to this team as much as I can and hopefully that will come in the form of runs. But time in the middle and setting up a platform for the middle order is also another job that I can do. I'm going to make sure when I get out there I be as ruthless as possible."

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