Jason Roy isn't an opener in First class cricket, he hasn't opened since 2013 so unsure why all of a sudden we think he is going to solve that problem. He is a middle order batsman, and thats where we should play him if he is going to get a chance. I also don't think we should play Root at three, due to the faults of our county system. He is a number 4 batsman so bat him there, simple.
Roy could do with watching Banford. Not suggesting it was a batting master class, he's hopelessly out of form and not that good anyway. But he only played at those he had to. Batted through til tomorrow, when it could be easier and stopped us getting at Smith this evening.
I was 'rooting' for him at 3, where I think your best bat should play, but maybe because we may have more chance of finding a No 4 than a 3 on the county circuit. But we need two proper openers so he isn't exposed every innings. I guess internationally, Smith, Kohli, Williamson are all batting at four, so probably the modern way because no country can find proper openers in this era of white ball dominance. Shows how desperate we are getting now, because Woakes has had three score of 30+, one expert on the radio was suggesting him filling the No 3 spot! In the absence of anyone else, I'd give Denley a bit longer, but at No 3. Butler needs a score second innings, Hasn't he one century in over thirty tests? That is nowhere near good enough.
i was going to say they're playing like girls, but girls are better than that. G. Boycott (from memory so might be paraphrased)
If we still had Cook and Strauss I would happily bat Root at 3, but currently it doesn't make any sense. I read a great article on ESPNcricinfo earlier today where you could make a case for only Rory Burns batting in the correct position. I am not a Denly fan, but you might as well stick with him for this series, bat him 3 and plan long term in the winter and get some youngsters in.
Just need to get bloody Smith out - getting him for below 20 could be the difference between winning and losing the test (assuming the weather allows a result)
Bloody rain, looks like no further play today, just when momentum appeared to be changing. Almost certainly a draw now. Where was the rain when we wanted it first test? Aim this test is to continue to keep momentum in our direction, and for our out of form batsmen to spend time at the crease. They may actually have to go out and get quick runs in an unlikely attempt to win the game, which may not be a bad thing.
Smith getting a right hammering off Archer. Just smashed a ball into his hand and then a couple of overs later smashed him again
Next best thing. His hand was causing him issues with the short ball by Archer at about 96mph that hit him square on the hand.