The Ashes; Second Test, Lord's, July 16-20

[The Waugh Twins]

You know when you start critiquing the commentators that the match is approaching a storm or the doldrums.

[The Waugh Twins]

So the sun is out and this looks like a great day for batting, or not.

[budgetmeansbudget]

Not easily resolvable this poor starting problem that England have had for a while. Not many options in reserve that you can see would make any difference.

[sussexpob]

At least Yorkshire will be happy to get ballance and lyth back soon. Ballance doesn't have a technique to this quality bowling..... It was noticeable before this series, maybe Australia paid India to give him runs

[Arthur Crabtree]

Bairstow came in at 50-3 today, so he's getting practice.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Drop might have saved Bell? From newspaper speculation. I can't see him being dropped. Bang out of form though.

[The Waugh Twins]

Think that was Nevilles but..........

[Arthur Crabtree]

First slip very wide. As is common now.

[captaincolly]

Drop might have saved Bell? From newspaper speculation. I can't see him being dropped. Bang out of form though.

An article I read in this mornings newpaper suggested any changes to the batting for the next test will be to the order rather than personnel, with Root promoted to 3. Not sure I agree with that but might be worth a try.

[dan08]

Bairstow for Bell.

[captaincolly]

Bairstow for Bell.

Yes, Bairstow is making a formidable case. Have a feeling they'll resist making changes for the next test but it surely must be a real consideration.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Can't see any changes yet.

A couple of bowlers not really contributing much either.

[captaincolly]

This will probably be over today.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I think there's enough in the middle order to see this game through to tomorrow.

Unless something daft happens...

[dan08]

Absolute village.