We still need to resolve our opening batters, it takes a lot of pressure off if they can get a decent partnership.
Reducing Essex to 56-5 was basically the equivalent of Adam Armstrong putting us 1-0 up at Goodison back in August. A nice start, but ultimately we crash and burn at arguably our worst away ground in the country.
It is bemusing. It hardly takes a genius to think that Essex would do this - especially with the hot weather recently. It's essentially a must-win for them. But that said, Crane is no Harmer. Harmer will out bowl any spinner in county cricket.
I would suggest that this is our most difficult remaining match. If Kent can bat out a draw at the Oval - and they have passed 500 more than once this season - then it doesn't become a damaging week. Surrey still have to play Lancs and Essex (we don't). And they only have one more match against the current bottom four after this (we have three).
So England are in a very strong position, just 113 to get with 8 wickets left and Pope and Root looking great. All over by lunchtime very much on the cards (I am not Tom).