Despite this form Compton was dropped by England for the Ashes warm-up against Essex in favour of Joe Root, with Compton omitted from the squad and national selector Geoff Miller, describing Root as "currently the best opening partner" for Alastair Cook. On his 30th birthday, Compton's form continued with a defiant 81 for Somerset against the touring Australians at Taunton. Compton was rewarded for his form as the ECB arranged for him to play as a guest for Worcestershire in their tour match against Australia as a further audition for his Ashes spot. Despite still being in the selector's thoughts, Compton did not play any part in the series.