cR4cKF0x 5TevE
Prominent Member
I don’t think Roy will be jettisoned - if he doesn’t open they’ll try him in the middle order instead. I’m not convinced he’s test quality at all, whatever position he plays.
His technical failings are amplified because his head is all over the place; I actually think he'd benefit from being taken out of the firing line.
What this series is showing is that both teams have a very average batting line up with a couple of good players each and both teams have an exceptional bowling attack.
I'd keep Roy in but move him down the order and have Denly open. But who to have batting at 4 is a tricky one because it'd still be odds on 4 would be in at not a lot for 2. I guess Bairstow would be the best option. Stokes at 5. Roy at six.
It's a toss of a coin for me whether to keep Buttler or try Pope at 7. For good balance I would bring Curran in for Woakes which is a move I think should've happened before now. Obviously Anderson for Woakes if fit but it does make the lower order look scarily weak.
Bairstow at 4 after keeping for potentially 90 overs plus would be tough both physically and mentally. I don't understand playing Buttler as a specialist batsman at 7, I'd prefer Bairstow at 7. Boycott nailed it on Sunday morning - Root and Denly set a platform for the middle order to win the game; you expect to lose 1 wicket to the new ball but need to get to 80+ before the second wicket falls - 20/30 for 2 doesn't win you many matches.