Third Test: England v India at Trent Bridge, 18-22 August.

[DiligentDefence]

My (very rare) bout of optimism in thinking that England may last the day looks somewhat misplaced.

[backfootpunch]

Root can't lay a bat on ball

And pope is playing at balls he has no need to

Will we last till lunch?

[backfootpunch]

My (very rare) bout of optimism in thinking that England may last the day looks somewhat misplaced.

Think they fancy a round of golf somewhere tomorrow not aby cricket

[Arthur Crabtree]

Pope needs to stop playing the drive while he bats for a couple of hours and gets in and the ball gets old.

Ask himself what Thorpey would have done.

[Arthur Crabtree]

For the first time it seems possible that Cook could get dropped.

Apparently he might miss the next game because of paternal duties.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I suppose they won't drop Cook, because they won't want to change both openers. And Jennings must be dangling over the trapdoor.

Might Jennings be saved by Steely's paternity leave?

[Arthur Crabtree]

JB1 out of the series.

Fiver down that Vince gets a recall.

Gary ballance?

I read on another thread that Bob WIllis suggested Ian Bell!

And Malan has been touted...

The cricketing undead.

Harmison suggesting Bell now!

I'm going to offer my services as an executive consultant. Don't recall Bell or you'll look clueless when he doesn't make any runs like he didn't in CC1 last year.

Like when Trott was recalled.

[bigfluffylemon]

The ship sailed long ago on the selectors looking clueless.

[The Professor]

Pope and Root look UNCOMFORTABLE.

[mikesiva]

Root gone for 13! Bumrah!

[Durhamfootman]

England not utterly capitulated yet?

don't worry.... they will

[Durhamfootman]

they'll be shouting for a recall for Tres soon

[mikesiva]

Pope out for 16! Shami!

It seems to me Pope has been pushed into the Test team a little too early. The West indies did the same to Hetmyer. He's only just recovering.

[bigfluffylemon]

How many out already playing balls they could have left?

This would be depressing if it weren't so predictable.

[Durhamfootman]

England not utterly capitulated yet?

don't worry.... they will

quicker than even I thought