Essex vice-captain Tom Westley was heavily praised by a host of former England captains after making a promising Test debut at the Oval yesterday.

Westley scored 25 runs in the third Test match against South Africa.

And Michael Vaughan believes Westley and fellow debutant Dawid Malan have a chance of breaking into the England side that will head to Australia for the Ashes series later this year.

Vaughan, who was commentating on the BBC’s Test Match Special, said: “Westley and Malan have a great opportunity to get in that Ashes squad.

“Get a hundred in the next couple of weeks and you’ll be on the big bird to Australia.”

Geoffrey Boycott was also impressed with parts of Westley’s opening innings in an England Test, while Michael Atherton saw positives.

The Sky Sports commentator said: “It was a bright start from Westley.

“He looked to have a bit of flair and he played some nice shots, but he will be desperately disappointed to have got in and not gone on to get a big score.

“But he showed a bit of promise for sure.”

Westley, who was handed his first cap by Essex and England legend Graham Gooch before play got underway, was brought into the side after Gary Ballance was ruled out through injury.

And after opening batsman Keaton Jennings was out for a duck, Westley joined Essex team-mate Alastair Cook at the crease.

The Essex pair registered a 50 partnership before Westley edged a Chris Morris delivery and was caught at second slip by the diving South African skipper Faf du Plessis.

Cook went on to score his 55th half-century in Test match cricket, as he ended the day on 82 not out.

England will resume today on 171/4.