So happy to see Ryan Harris come back after a long injury and grab 5 wickets. Hope he remains fit for a while now with Pattinson gone.
Optimist.
He's an injury waiting to happen - as is Pattinson it appears.
And personally I feel that Pattinson's hype is ahead of the reality. In like for like conditions I'm content that Broad, Bresnan or Finn would beat him.
Maybe they have approached Katich and he's told them 'no way'. I would. He wouldn't bother England much anyway I reckon.
Clarke has to bat 4 - it's the only way Australia have a chance to control an innings.
Hughes can't open because he struggles with the ball into his ribs.
Watson shouldn't open but he'll throw his toys if he's moved down the order. An ego well above hiss achievements.
Smith is a number 8 pushed up the order - and a Club bowler.
If Agar had been (correctly) given out stumped early at Trent Bridge would he have played at Lords? I doubt he'll play at Old Trafford but Lyon won't worry England overmuch. They handled the Indian spinners - who outbowled Lion - well enough.
At some point Cook, Trott and (if fit) KP will get scores - and they tend to 'go big' when they do.
Taylor is in form and the obvious call if KP is out. Glad the "Compton should open, not Root' gang are silenced. Compton ain't that good.
If his bowling is going well this season Adil Rashid could be a lovely left field pick for Old Trafford. The Selectors have made to odd call like this. Rashid is a superior version of Smith.
If the relaid Old Trafford pitches are getting some of the old bounce back it could suit Finn more than Bresnan.