Woakes has been a genuine disappointment this series. Coming in he was close to England's best player but he hasn't made the runs and his bowling has been pretty meek. Lucky to be gifted the wicket of a mentally unwell Smith at Lords tooIf Jimmeh is deemed fit does he come back? Almost certainly, I guess.
Probably replaces Woakes? Root seems less than entirely trusting of his bowling so far this series. Lengthens the tail quite considerably if he is the man to make way.
You risk misinforming people that he's still goodI think we should pick Haseeb Hameed for OT to open with Burns - he couldn't do any worse than Roy, and it would maybe make Paul Allott realise just how much of an idiot he's been
I guess. Pope can come in at 6, I just want an extra batsman in there and prefer the classical balance of 5 batsmen, all-rounder, keeper and bowlers, but does make sense to keep Stokes at 5.Why wouldn't you respond to successive second dig unbeaten tons by dropping Stokes back down the order
i really don't think lloyd pope is up for the number five spot in the ashes, especially given that marnus batted so well tooLong term I would want Pope in at 5 and Stokes at 6 but that is not for now. I don't think we will see Pope until after the ashes.
I just can't wait to see Anderson again, really hope he is fit. Going to enjoy every Test he has left now, the injury really brought that home.