Ashes 2013-14: England's Michael Carberry 'could open in first Test'

Michael Carberry and Alastair Cook

Michael Carberry could open for England in the first Ashes Test in Australia, says batting coach Graham Gooch.

The left-hander scored 78 in the absence of injured Alastair Cook in the first tour match and 153 not out in the rain-affected second game.

"Michael took his chance in the first game and we wanted to see a little more of him," Gooch told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He's done his chances no harm and Joe Root batted in the middle order when he started, so those options are open."

Root, 22, was promoted to open alongside captain Cook during the 3-0 home Ashes series win this summer, although he made only one half-century in addition to his 180 in the Lord's Test.

Hampshire's Carberry has played a solitary Test, making 30 and 34 against Bangladesh at Chittagong in 2010.

Gooch added: "Michael Carberry is 33 years of age, he was in the England set-up a few years ago and he had that illness which put a block on his career.

"He's got a second opportunity here and he's done very well. I don't think the team selection is finalised yet."

Carberry and Cook, who is 154 not out, are set to resume their unbroken stand of 318 on day four of England's rain-affected second warm-up game against Australia A in Hobart.

Yorkshire's Root is scheduled to bat at number five should England opt to continue batting when the final day's play gets under way at 22:30 GMT on Friday.

England complete their preparations for the first Test with a four-day game against a New South Wales XI - augmented by guest players from other states - in Sydney, starting on 13 November.

The first Test at the Gabba starts on 21 November.