After the debacle of the Ashes, England revamped their selection panel with the new man in charge, Ed Smith, delivering the surprise selections he promised when his appointment was announced, writes Abu George.
Critics, like our own Kristian ‘Voice of Sport’ Harrison, below, were quick to sharpen the knives after the first defeat against Pakistan with illuminaries, including former captain Michael Vaughan, suggesting that senior players be dropped.
England made two changes to the side that lost at Lords, bringing back Keaton Jennings to partner Alastair Cook as opener while Ben Stokes, lost to injury, was replaced by Sam Curran proving that if you are good enough you are old enough.
In the past England has appeared reticent to promote youngsters until they have a proven track record on the county circuit.
An innings victory softened the clamour for change.
Smith was largely vindicated in his decisions. The returning Jos Butler, previously considered too cavalier, won the Man of the Match Award while Dom Bess came close to securing consecutive half centuries while also claiming his first Test wickets.
Bess has developed his reputation as a spinner at Taunton on a wicket made so dry it has been dubbed ‘Ciderabad’.
However, just as one defeat does not mean there should be radical change, one victory equally does not mean that England should rest on their laurels.
These two results perhaps show that professional sports are determined by fine margins.
This England side has shown resilience and determination, rebounding strongly after defeats to South Africa and the West Indies (except against Australia!). It is a shame that the level of motivation required seems to stem from humiliation.
I do find it ironic that both tests have been determined by poor captaincy decisions after winning the toss. There is an old adage at Headingly that you look up at the skies rather than down at the wicket when making the decision. Much like Joe Root did at Lords, Sarfraz Ahmed elected to bat, ignoring the overcast conditions. England’s maligned opening attack ripped the heart out of Pakistan who were unable to recover. Dropped catches were also a recurring theme for the defeated sides.
The acid test for this England side will come against India starting in August and then away from home in a winter series in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Despite the comfortable victory over a young and inexperienced Pakistan side questions remain.
The wobbly top order has failed to post a significant total while the bowlers have only occasionally delivered in conditions that are favourable. Four batsmen made fifties but none converted that into a century, let alone a ‘daddy hundred’. In the ‘plus’ column the wickets were shared around between the bowlers with Stuart Broad being the most consistent.
At least at this stage they have all earned the right to appear again later in the summer.
