Jones CAN bat: he's found no form whatsoever on this tour.. but in essence he has the makings of a very respectable batsman (and some of his strokeplay, at best, is exemplary). No one suggests he's mentally fragile... he's just got to go away and get his act together. He's got the potential to match Stewart as a 'keeper and I'd not be surprised to see him back for a really long stint in the future.

Read can also bat... especially on the sort of slow and low pitches that now predominate throughout the world. I'd back him ahead of most others for sub-continental wickets. He's also a decent ODI finisher.

Foster is a considerably better bat than Read. He's not an obvious ODI candidate... but he uses his feet, he's technically sound in defense and could be relied upon to accumulate runs pretty reliably (albeit slowly and mostly down the ground where Jones would generally be looking to send balls square of the wicket).

I suspect Nixon is just a stop-gap ODI prospect: he could do a job for the world cup...

The longer term bright prospect is Davies... who shows promise with the bat.. and is passable with the gloves. He should perhaps tour as reserve 'keeper next winter.

Shorter term.. mention should also be made of Batty and Wallace... though I doubt either will figure.

The other name that always comes up is Prior... but when he toured with the Academy Rod Marsh was keen to note he's a potential ODI batsman and sharp outfielder rather than potential wicket-keeper. Many of those who watch him seem pretty sure Foster has better technique with the bat as well as better hands with the gloves so this strikes me as a non-starter.

ps. Nic Pothas is the other interesting candidate: recently qualified for England and eminently qualified to act as a stop gap until Davies comes through.