Thing is we keep cycling round the same players

because there really isnt anybody else better, as we're not focused on producing test players. All the money is in white ball cricket, and that's where the effort and talent is flowing.

Which is why we keep coming back to the same line ups that continue to struggle, with one or two sacrificed out from time to time, to let the usual suspects have another go, but always with a highly similar end result.

Bairstow averages 34 in tests, Butler 33, Malan 29, Moeen 28, Burns 32, Pope 32, Denly 29, Sibley 29. That's a long list of half decent test players, but none that are going to regulatory contribute the kind of runs you need to win series. Only Root, plus then Stokes as a genuinely excellent all rounder. We're good enough to feel like we're always just about in the game, only to see it slip away. And obviously when it all goes well, this side can win. But that wont happen often enough to win series.

Posted By: Under soil heating, Sep 6, 16:57:17