Of the 4 listed I only see Hildreth as having a viable international future so even though he hasn't done anything startling down at Taunton the fact he looks a potential England batsmen (in terms of the technical side of his game and presence at the crease) is enough to get him the nod as first choice.

For the final batting slot as I've said previously on other threads I'd personally go with the all rounder Rashid at 6 (and reluctantly play 2 spinners given my views on Swann) but if that's not an option, of the specialist batsmen Carberry just pips Sales. Sales is a fine player but as admirable as his loyalty is to Northants if he harbours serious England aspirations he needs to make a move to a bigger more high profile county to take his game to the next level. Until he shows that ruthlessness then his lack of ambition keeps him out of the side for me. Plus I always have a personal preference when it comes to balancing a side of having the 3 specialist openers and Carberry for me would be a better number 3 than Shah who should never bat any higher than 5.