Isn't refreshing to watch this England side its actually fun not something that has to be endured. Three nil in Pakistan all be it a poor Pakistan is really something I'm sure on occasion this style will bite us on the backside but I don't care long may it continue.
To be fair to them, the series is already wrapped up. I'm seeing this as a bit of an experiment but I like the strategy and how it is putting a lot of pressure on Pakistan.
Expect the unexpected with England now. Low total to get but bring out the night watchman. He gets out so the captain decides to promote himself. Still no Pope or Root.
There's Alex Lees too. Not just that the teams playing well and winning so it's easier for any other players coming in should they get a recall. The only one the jury is still out on for me is Crawley but while ever he's bashing 40-60 with odd hundred here and there he's doing what the management are asking of him. Getting things moving. He'll do for me. I don't mind losing wickets if the scoreboard is ticking over. Hales, Vince and Lawrence would slot into this side.
If everyone is fit to play and in form then there is going to be some upset players come the Ashes. Bairstow, Archer, Broad, as well as guys like Livingstone. We won't play two spinners at home yet the debutant did amazing.
I doubt whether Matt Fisher will get back in consideration for a long while. He’s going to have to prove his capability after injuries which he’s prone to get. He played one test in West Indies before injury so he’ll be on the likely list but there’s quite a few in front of him now. Olly Stone is another one but, as you say, Archer and Broad will be above them both.
I think Crawley, Ahmed, Wood and Robinson would have to make way for Bairstow, Archer, Anderson and Broad off the team playing the third test. Get an Ashes 11 something like (if all are fit and in form)... Bairstow Duckett Pope Root Brook Stokes Foakes (WK) Broad Archer Anderson Leach
I don’t think Bairstow will open and the way things are now, he wouldn’t automatically get in. Our ‘Arry has bagged the number five slot. Crawley or Jennings will open but we’ve got 6 tests before the Ashes so a lot can happen I agree with all others
Another conundrum will be Duckett. He was picked to open in this series purely for sub continent conditions, he bats 3 or 4 for Notts. Tin hat on...Root's place could well be in danger.
Who are you having to partner Duckett ? Pope possibly or even Root but both are more effective 3 & 4 , nice problem to have but I would prefer an established regular opener myself