I agree. I think despite the Smith factor there have been two key moments in this test

Where we had the chance to take complete control and on both occasions we blew it.

One was yesterday when our middle order caved in just after we drew level. Nothing Root could do about that.

The other was at 122-8 on the first day where we basically spent about an hour and a half putting them under zero pressure whilst Stokes bowled a load of rubbish, Moeen looked unthreatening and we basically allowed Siddle to play himself in and hang around plus Smith to score at leisure. In mitigation we were obviously a bowler short but I think we really let them off the hook with the bowling rotation and some of the field placements.

Real shame if we somehow manage to lose this as it’s a have that was there for the taking twice.

Still, two quick wickets changes everything.

Posted By: Jim, Aug 4, 12:02:28