Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that batsman Joe Root provides a perfect balance at the top of the innings for the Three Lions.
The 22-year-old was promoted to opener ahead of the start of the Ashes series to replace Nick Compton and initially struggled to find his feet.
However, he put his setbacks behind him as he scored his second Test hundred, making 180 in England's second innings in their 347-run win over Australia at Lord's.
Hussain wrote in his column in the Daily Mail: "My view is that he and Alastair Cook will form England's opening partnership for many years.
"It's not just that they complement each other well — the left-handed Cook and the right-handed Root — but I like the balance Root brings to the first three.
"With a top order of Cook, Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott, I was a bit concerned that the tempo was one-paced. But Root keeps things ticking over."
The third Ashes Test at Old Trafford begins on August 1 where a victory will see Alastair Cook's side retain the urn.
