They've played better than us, quite simply

Especially bowling. We’ve got one bowler who’d possibly get in their team (Archer) and maybe a couple who’d be reserves (Wood and Stokes). Pace and ability aren’t the problem though, what they have is relentless discipline and home advantage, which they’ve used well.

The bowling’s been the difference for me. Apart from Pope, we didn’t throw wickets away today. They found things in the pitch we didn’t, didn’t bowl loose deliveries (Carse, Jacks) and looked threatening throughout. That’s been the case in all three tests. They’ve raised their game, played like a team on a mission, and then you have the random joker element of snicko, just for good measure. I can’t see beyond a 5-0 from here.

It’s not tactics, it’s not the coaching, it’s playing a better team on their terms. I thought on day one of the first test we’d match them, but they snapped out of it and we haven’t recovered.

Posted By: APB, Dec 18, 12:10:18