The next test I'd put sentiment to one side and drop Bairstow for Foakes. Anderson will be back for Robinson and I'd bring in Lawrence for Pope.
It always amuses me when you see the team lined up for the anthem with Duckett looking like a midget alongside other players. If he hadn’t grown that beard he could be mistaken for a schoolboy player sneaking into the lineup
As much as I love him, I would have Woakes, Ali, Broad and Wood and keep Anderson out. We need someone that can bat a bit and Wood was brilliant. So for me it is either Broad or Jimmy, not both.
I like watching Crawley bat. He's very elegant and scores quickly. It gets the game moving. At least when he gets out the score has ticked over. Whereas when we had Burns and Sibley we'd be 12-2 after they'd prodded.
It'll be a wash out. Win at the Oval series ends 2-2 and the Aussies still haven't won here since 2001.
Look like still doing some reno when I go past in March. The new buildings were a big change from when I live near there in 2008
Bairstow putting emotions aside, as not done enough to warrant him first choice wicket keeper. However I'm sure he would give 100% if chosen.
Ashes 2027 venues - 2 in London, Southampton, Birmingham and Nottingham. None in the north. Very disappointing. We always lose at Lords and always win at Headingley, so surely they should switch that one!?! Will have to join the ballot for Trent Bridge, along with every other northerner.
Unchanged squad for Old Trafford next week so any niggles our players may have at least we’ve a week to recover
Just have to hope that Bairstow and Root sort themselves out as keeper and first slip. Not convinced though.