Back on topic, we actually batted today as if we were playing test cricket. Now if only we had thought of doing that in the first innings.
I'd like to see us win this one. Unlikely, but if we can get through the next new ball without too much damage then we stand a chance.
It would be brilliant to see Root come through with a big hundred or double tomorrow and pull off an unlikely win, because he is getting absolutely slated inspite of some pretty good captaincy during this match. It's the nature of losing, the "told you so" lot start their **** patter. Well of course, anybody being negative has a high chance of being successful with "predictions", because you can just go on and on and on until the person/team fails and then you congratulate yourself. The problem whether they win the test or not, aside from the openers and a general lack of sensible batting down the whole order, is Archer's lack of suitability and stamina for Test cricket. Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant and the only quick who looks properly threatening... However, the boy does not have the right technique for the 5 day game yet. He's slugging down 90mph off a ten yard run-up, which severely stresses the body and makes it difficult for him to be effective immediately after a long hard session. His body was aching after the last Test, and then he's put in a Herculean effort again, for me the sensible thing would be to switch him out for old man Anderson, and rest him up for the next Test, as counter initiative as it sounds. I think he'll injure himself or be playing at 50% otherwise. Somebody needs to get him down to Loughborough to work on his run-up and consistency and we might have a player to fill the hole Anderson and Broad will leave. Also. Ffs. Take the gloves off Bairstow, he's ****e. Buttler must be fuming every time he sees a dropped catch. They aren't even difficult chances.