Can’t really blame anyone for getting out the way they did, although I would have liked to have seen Lawrence and Pope bat for themselves as they more than anyone need the runs. Was getting a bit worried that he’d run out of partners, but hey, all’s well that ends well!
I was at Lord’s yesterday. There was a prevailing air that the game was already settled and so what England did in their second innings didn’t really matter. The only tension in the crowd was when Root approached his century. Perhaps this feeling pervaded the dressing room as well. The shot selection suggested that it did. I would venture that this is not the mindset of champion teams.
I dunno, the worst excesses of Bazball have been curbed this summer, if ever there were a time to give the players license to have fun, this was it
The disappointing element was Duckett and Pope failing for me. Serious questions need to be asked about the latter in particular. His defensive technique has been found seriously wanting. I have watched him for a long time and it is infuriating to see him struggle like this against far from the most challenging attack.
Was very disappointed with Duckett’s dismissal in the first innings, he put us under a bit of pressure when conditions were at their best for batting, second innings he made his start and had license to go swinging really. You can say what you like about Pope’s stats when he lasts 20 balls, but he never looked comfortable yesterday. I get he’s captain so he’s staying until the end of this series, and he did hit a century and 2 50s against the Windies, but if he carries on in this kind of form, how long does he stay in the side? We’ve got 6 Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand this winter, then it’s Zimbabwe and a biggie against India
It's hard for a new keeper to overrule the older players but a keeper should be one of the best judges of whether an lbw is out or not.
New kid on the block though may not feel comfortable yet against the senior men. Will come with time and experience but hard right now. As I said I am not blaming him as I can see it must be awkward for him.
Looked thigh pad to me in real time. Replay looked like it didn't touch anything!
It's just stupidly expensive. Lord's is up its own backside.