England in Sri Lanka, 2018

[GloverMart]

Leach has been one of the best spin bowlers of the last three or four seasons. Some of us Somerset fans have been puzzled as to why he didn't get much of a look in, especially when bowlers from certain counties seem to get picked regardless of form...

For a county that for years has been accused of preparing batting flat tracks, we seem to be doing something right producing Leach and Dom Bess plus Max Waller who's one of the best T20 spinners in the country.

ETA - not a bowler, of course, but you'd also wonder why James Hildreth never got a look in for England considering our batting woes over the years. Can bat anywhere from 3 to 6 and is a far better player than the likes of Gary Balance who gets a fresh chance every 12-18 months, it seems.

[Gargamel]

Cheib said:

Bairstow seemed to have discovered a flaw in his technique during the summer. Love watching him bat when he’s in the groove....just needs to find it again. I’d agree though, his record with the bat suggests he’s better without the gloves and we desperately need someone to bat at 3 though you wouldn’t say his style is an obvious fit.

Lost his head a bit and then broke his finger. He may settle down, Could go back to 5 I suppose, we have one too many bowlers at the moment.

[carinatauk]

I am not so sure of this new batting attacking tactic, that England are banding about. Seems to me it's an excuse for shoddiness in the first 6 players, and loss of wickets. Plus it may work with a poor SL side, can't see that with India / Pakistan etc

[type-r]

Jennings played with uncertainty in the first few overs... Aussies must be sniffing all over that. Another English rabbit in headlights. Just wait until he faces a bit of chin music, I can see him being identified early as a easy victim of sledging. My personal view: he has the game but not sure he has the mental strength.

Bairstow on the other hand, showing how it should be done.

[Gargamel]

So chance for a 0-3 in the tests. Bairstow is the latest to be tried at 3, and Jimmy A gets a rest.

England bat first. Root is a lucky cap. Thats three in a row.

Pitch looks a good surface, not as much turn.

[spikeyhead]

102/2 at lunch.

It seems a long time since we last got to either lunch or 100 only two down.

[Gargamel]

Yep usually 4 down by lunch.

Just read that root has won eight in a row on the coins.

Lucky tosser.

[type-r]

197-3 at tea.

Bairstow really putting a marker down. Don't overlook me again! Root said to him before the match - No.3 is yours for the taking. He is grabbing it with both hands.

Going into the ashes next summer, I don't think we will know who are two premier openers will be.

[thegreenhell]

I think we've found our new number 3 bat.

[spikeyhead]

thegreenhell said:

I think we've found our new number 3 bat.

One swallow doth not a summer make

[NormalWisdom]

Another stunner from Jennings - Very brave. Broad had a superb spell, Root should have done better.

[fathomfive]

Sri Lanka falling apart here after a very good opening.

[spikeyhead]

They really have collapsed. Didn't expect that after checking the score earlier.

[type-r]

Wow. Who is this Adil Rashid, some no hope part-timer?

[Baron Greenback]

Dam forgot about the cricket! that one hell of collapse, even England would be proud of that collapse! Stoke 3 for 30 of 10 overs v nice! Just hope we dont do similar!

[fathomfive]

England doing their best to make a game of this.

35-3.

[type-r]

Yep. Burns and Jennings failing again

[fathomfive]

39-4!

It's a collapsathon.

[type-r]

Don't worry, world-class Stokes is here to save the day!

[type-r]

Stoke a lucky boy!