England Humiliated in The First Ashes Test

England inevitably lost this match, yesterday. A huge 251 run defeat was perfectly fair and reasonable. Well done to the Aussies!

There were decent excuses that could be made by England. The injury to Jimmy Anderson had proved to be critical and probably allowed two big centuries by Steve Smith - the best batsman in the world - which were the difference.
England were not let down by their fielding and the principal seam bowlers bowled a super length - for once.

However, to use any excuses at all would be petty in the extreme. There was so much wrong - it is difficult to know where to begin.
I hope that time will prove me wrong but Jason Roy looks wholly incapable of being a test batsman. Brilliant as he is in the more trivial forms of the game - he appears not to possess the mental strength and advanced batting techniques required to play at test level. Test cricket was not named thus by accident.

Moeen Ali looks to be a busted flush. The 177 test wickets he has taken look to be something from a time long forgotten.
He is no longer worthy of a place. Not only this but his exciting batting has totally disintegrated.

I am far from convinced that Rory Burns is of test standard as an opening bat. Let's be honest. It was a great maiden century in this game but he could have easily been out twenty times or more. The guy rode his luck.

Sadly, I must confess to a certain anxiety regarding Buttler as a test batsman. I fear that he too may be a superb one day batsman - but that is it.

Bairstow is woefully out of form! Once again, there are question marks over his technique.
The single reason to keep Buttler in the side is that he can keep wicket if Jonny is dropped.

Ali will surely be dropped; Anderson may never be selected again - you cannot beat Father Time. Can we risk a similar breakdown in a future test?
Bairstow could, arguably, have one more chance - Jason Roy must not.
Burns had clearly worked on his poor batting technique - further work is still needed.

Jofra Archer will replace Jimmy - if match fit. But England are still in desperate need of openers and a number 3. (Root ought to be batting at 4 where he is more comfortable.)

The problem worsens. England has no top spin bowlers playing in the County Championship to replace Ali and Adil Rashid is injured.
Denley - still unproven at test level as a batsman - is able to offer some sixth bowler overs of leg-spin and Joe Root is of similar quality with his off-spin. It is not enough.
England may have to make a choice between Liam Dawson and Jack Leach but neither are as penetrative with their spin as Ali was when bowling at his best.

The selectors have a nightmare situation to resolve. I do hope that they do not bottle it. Come on Ed; come on James - earn your corn! 
Drop Bairstow, Ali and Roy. With Anderson out - I would want to see four new faces for Lords a week on Wednesday.