England coach Trevor Bayliss has hinted at a recall for Jos Buttler ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, live on Sky sports, next week.
Buttler has not played red-ball cricket for England since the Test series against Pakistan in the UAE in October last year, with Jonny Bairstow taking his place behind the stumps for the series' wins in against South Africa and Sri Lanka this year.
But with Nick Compton now out of contention, England have a space to fill in their batting line-up and Buttler's impressive form in the one-day game could see him return to the five-day format as a specialist batsman.
"It will be an interesting selection meeting," said Bayliss. "Buttler is certainly in contention. We've spoken before about Buttler, Jason Roy and Ben Stokes playing as a batter - he made 250 just a few Tests ago - so they all have to be in contention."
If he is recalled, Bayliss wants Buttler to approach Test cricket with the same attacking intent he does in the shorter formats, where he has been in fine form in recent weeks as England sealed a 3-0 ODI series win over Sri Lanka.
"I think he'd be better in Test cricket if he played like he does in the white-ball game," added Bayliss. "That could be devastating at six or seven. He certainly looks like he has a lot of confidence.
"In this ODI series he has probably been more consistent than ever before. The way he has struck the ball, the way he has carried himself; his keeping was pretty good as well - he's certainly in contention."
Ben Stokes, who is playing for Durham against Hampshire this week as a specialist batsman after recovering from a knee injury, could also earn a recall.
"He's in contention for a batting spot if he's fit and he might be able to bowl some short spells. He has to be discussed," added Bayliss.