it's high time bairstow took his batting average for the series above woakes' batting average for the series.
Yeah, being shoved up and down the order and the one day have really screwed up his test career. His average is still 3x that of Buttler, who's test career has to be on borrowed time. After this series ( when possible replacements are in t20 mode), I'd get rid, let him focus on his one day career. Give Roy a bit longer in place of Buttler at 6.
We've possibly and likely escaped with a draw but we should not be overjoyed to have avoided the follow on. Tails up with Warner failing again but can't see us winning at the Oval with our batting as fragile as it is.
It was indeed. Unplayable first ball up in the glooming and fading light before your eyes have fully had time to adjust I would say.
Tbf throughout this series I have been left scratching my head at some of Roots decisions as captain .. I also think its beginning to effect his form with the bat .. true our batting line up has been fragile and tbf the world cup seems to have left a hangover on those that competed in it .. but a classic example today of Roots poor captaincy was immediately after tea ... starting with Overton and Leach together .. weird field placings .. no pressure applied when tbh a quick volley from Broad or Archer in partnership with a defensive Leach would have at least applied some pressure .. I stead it allowed Smith to dominate and take the p1ss .. albeit how he is a wonderful batsman it is obvious their is no play once he gets in and we seem to hope he makes a mistake to get himself out. As it stands now the ashes are lost unless the miracle of headingley can be repeated
Denly, Roy, Bairstow and Buttler have to go for the last test. Pope, Sibley, Foakes and **** knows who else to come in. Curren probably.
