In England, I think there's merit to dropping Bess and going full seam save for the odd spell where Root comes in and inexplicably picks up two wickets.
In fairness to Pakistan, the commentators are criticizing them for bowling length and expecting England to collapse and get themselves out, but...I mean, that works 9 times out of 10.
England are getting good at these against the odds comeback run chases. It makes for exciting viewing
Just caught up with the highlights, what a win! Definitely didn’t expect that yesterday morning, or at 117-5 this afternoon. I take back everything I said about Woakes. Next match drop Bess for Crawley?
Or Leach. He can bat a bit as well. Next test,Leach in, Bess to return ro County Cricket to work on his skills. Where could Moeen Ali fit in to counter the twin spin threat of Pakistán? Archer? Anderson?
I am happy that Buttler and Woakes managed to stuff their detractors. Likewise Root. Where his captaincy skills are when compared to the likes of Clive Lloyd I do not know but he has a squad of players that are prepared to dig deep for the team, so perhaps everybody is in danger of underestimating his leadership.qualities.
To be honest, I expect Bess to keep his place for the next test. I'm anticipating Jimmy being rested, and quite possibly Archer too. We rested/rotated for the middle test vs WI, and I think we will do the same again. Otherwise, we're potentially asking a 38 year old to play three tests in three weeks (and four tests in five weeks). And as I understand it, this heatwave will last throughout the week. Wood for Archer. Crawley for Jimmy if Stokes can bowl 30+ overs, otherwise Curran for Jimmy.
Shame that Middlesex have a third man, because it seems to be the only area we can score (whether intentionally or not).