So, who thought after the first hour of this Test, that we would be going to go into the 4th day with all results possible? Not sure that I did!
Equally, as wonderful as hindsight is, should we have enforced the follow on given that the wicket might deteriorate as we get even further into the game?
The weather is an issue too. The decision to enforce the follow-on was right in my opinion. A couple of early wickets this morning should do the trick (and get Blundell early).
No need to panic yet. NZ still only effectively 14-4 here.
That's what I mean, there can't be a situation when we should panic, at least while New Zeland are still batting. Setting 300 in 3 sessions still takes time out of the equation. And that would take some serious doing.
Difficult one to call and millimetres in it but that is why Foakes has to be in the side. He made that attempted stumping of Williamson look regimental and it simply wasn't.
We are probably have to do so but can we go into an Ashes Series relying on three seamers and four frontline bowlers because it is obvious that Stokes, with his knee issue, is unable to bowl to any degree - just 2 overs of the 162 delivered by England in this match and 17 in total from the last 8 innings. If the Aussies successfully target Leach then the work load on the three seamers is going to be rather heavy.
We are probably have to do so but can we go into an Ashes Series relying on three seamers and four frontline bowlers because it is obvious that Stokes, with his knee issue, is unable to bowl to any degree - just 2 overs of the 162 delivered by England in this match and 17 in total from the last 8 innings. If the Aussies successfully target Leach then the work load on the three seamers is going to be rather heavy.
Which raises an interesting question, with Bairstow waiting in the wings, whether Stokes playing just as a batsman justifies his place at No 6!
Obviously Zak (if anyone) would be dropped, but Zak at No 6 would surely make a lot more runs than he does as an opener.
Obviously Stokes won't be dropped, but to an extent his place in the team is now because of his leadership rather than his "stats".
We are probably have to do so but can we go into an Ashes Series relying on three seamers and four frontline bowlers because it is obvious that Stokes, with his knee issue, is unable to bowl to any degree - just 2 overs of the 162 delivered by England in this match and 17 in total from the last 8 innings. If the Aussies successfully target Leach then the work load on the three seamers is going to be rather heavy.
Which raises an interesting question, with Bairstow waiting in the wings, whether Stokes playing just as a batsman justifies his place at No 6!
Obviously Zak (if anyone) would be dropped, but Zak at No 6 would surely make a lot more runs than he does as an opener.
Obviously Stokes won't be dropped, but to an extent his place in the team is now because of his leadership rather than his "stats".
But that would still leave us a bowler short. Just watched Broad chasing the ball to the boundary and he looked absolutely knackered. When Stokes first came into the side his average overs per innings against the Aussies was 16. So, if Stokes isn't going to play then one would think that someone like Sam Curran comes in to bat at 6 or 7 depending on whether Foakes is promoted. That would, potentially, leave us with a tail.
The issue isn't helped by Stokes going off to the IPL and I wonder if he will take the opportunity to miss that and to get his knee issue sorted out once and for all. Especially as I struggle to see that his franchise will be happy playing him as a batsman only when he would have been bought as an all rounder.
And we have no slips for Robinson but with Foakes standing back. But that's because he's gone down the route of bowling nothing but short pitched balls and have set the field accordingly.
Comments
NZ trail by 226
NZ doing well thus far, deficit down to 101.
Now 175/3
51 behind
game on
close of play
24 behind
Quite impressive that.
Equally, as wonderful as hindsight is, should we have enforced the follow on given that the wicket might deteriorate as we get even further into the game?
With almost 6 sessions left they can't realistically bat England out of the game, what ever they set England will either get, or die trying.
222-4 (10 mins ago)
Mitchell auditioning to join the Bazball Cast - 41 off 37 to date. Williamson refusing to do so - 43 off 128
297-5
297-5 and a lead of 71
Obviously Zak (if anyone) would be dropped, but Zak at No 6 would surely make a lot more runs than he does as an opener.
Obviously Stokes won't be dropped, but to an extent his place in the team is now because of his leadership rather than his "stats".
The issue isn't helped by Stokes going off to the IPL and I wonder if he will take the opportunity to miss that and to get his knee issue sorted out once and for all. Especially as I struggle to see that his franchise will be happy playing him as a batsman only when he would have been bought as an all rounder.