It’s still causing a lot of debate today! And Sunak has got himself involved Boycott wants a public apology from the Aussies
I have played league cricket for 30 years and what Carey did would not happen in the league I play in, there is an unwritten rule about what is and is not cricket. Technically they were correct to give Bairstow out, but it was an act of gamesmanship which does not belong on the cricket field, sadly these days a win at all costs attitude has eaten away at the spirit of the game. Bairstow turned and tapped his foot behind his crease, indicating he was not attempting a run, from that moment the ball should have been declared dead. Of course Bairstow was foolish and should have known better, what with 11 cheating Aussies on the field, but Cummins 100% should have withdrawn the appeal.
The rights and wrongs of the dismissal have been well debated here and elsewhere, but there is no doubt that the 'Bairstow incident' fired up Stokes and Broad, we probably got closer to the Aussies than we would have done without the controversy! Big calls required for the next test and I would suggest that Anderson should be rested, would still like Wood to play as a proper quickie, but can also see the logic in playing Woakes at Headingley.
Boycs has never been diplomatic. Never tried to be. As blunt as they come! Diplomatic Yorkshireman? Joe Root
Should Bairstow remain as keeper for Eng , that's a big no from me as he missed far to many chances this series
Wood’s pace has been the big difference for England. The bowling has looked threatening. As for Bairstow, the issue is how to balance the side. Foakes can bat, but Bairstow can be destructive and win games almost singlehandedly as he proved last year. So he plays as a batsman. Who do they drop? Some of the chances were tough; Foakes might. have taken them, but it’s not a given. Players are always better when they’re not playing. It’s easy to say a player would have done this or that. However, there is an argument for picking the best player for such a specialist position - and that is Foakes
Pretty even after day one. Hopefully the sun will be out (it’s forecast) and it’s good for batting. I think a Root 100 is what’s needed for a first innings lead
He probably holds the key to whole game and maybe even the series. If Root bats until tea tomorrow with half decent contributions from Bairstow, Stokes, Alli and Woakes then we may post a half decent first innings lead. If he is out in the first hour we will be at least 50 runs behind!
