I'm disappointed in the England team management's response to results so far: disappointed, but not surprised. It could so easily be 2-0 to the Aussies now, and the Ashes lost, but thanks to a staggeringly magnificent performance from one player allied to a massive supply of good luck and poor umpiring we're still in with a chance. So, any admission that choosing Jason Roy for the test side has been a huge mistake? No, of course not, his technique will be miraculously improved by batting at no. 4 instead, Joe Root's preferred position. Craig Overton is drafted in on the basis of what? Somerset's big lead in Division 1 county cricket has been eroded by Essex, and C. Overton has done nothing of note. In fact, Jamie Overton, his brother, has performed better and bowls faster. Overton's previous test experience was better on the batting side than the bowling side, and I fail to see why he should be in the picture at all.
With Australia, there'll be at least one change in the next test, with Steve Smith coming back, but I can't see Labuschagne losing his place. Khawaja was employed as opener in the recent game v Derbyshire with some success, and I wouldn't be surprised if he opened with Warner. Starc impressed in that game too, as did the unknown Michael Neser, and Cummins may be due a game off with back-to-back tests coming up. Starc doing a Wasim Akram at Old Trafford? The Aussies might hope so.