Looking bad for England if they lose early wickets. Rain may spoil it for everyone.
A lot is going to depend who wins the toss throughout this series again. Which is a shame because this is the one time I think England had the opportunity to win despite the toss going against them. Their selection of an unfit Anderson has really bitten them on the arse. The lack of options when trying to finish the aussie first innings was obvious, and also them not extending their first innings lead didn't help.
Rashid being unfit is a blow because Mo is not up to it at present. Some of the bowling yesterday was shocking from him including two moon balls. Leach has to come in. I defended Ali pre series because of how he goes in England but he needs a prolonged spell back in county cricket learning to enjoy it again.
No excuses for England they've been outplayed by Smith. And yes I mean Smith not Australia. Yes they lost the toss but this game was there to be won if good enough, so lets not hope for rain or blame the toss, we've been well below par. The concern for England is our much vaunted bowling attack, which is impressive, is creaking under the weight of the world cup and age. Anderson is not good and given he declared himself fit, has to be a concern heading forward. Archer's side strain is causing him issues, and they really need his pace to unsettle Smith. Rashid looks set to miss the whole summer with his shoulder issue now worse than ever. Woods has already had an op and is defo out. Olly Stone and Jack Leach may be getting the call. Nothing wrong with them, but they are getting thrown into the lions den with Ashes cricket.
This Aussie team is not one of the better ones. Smith is obviously an all time great already, but aside from him the team is fairly average. If we lost a home series to this rabble I'd struggle to make many excuses for England.
