Congratulations Tom Westley

[paulm]

In the one test when Philander was somewhere near fully-fit,England were mullered.The Australian attack will be appreciably better,especially on their pitches.Though Stokes and possibly Bairstow might get some quick runs occasionally,Cook and Root are our only two reliable test batsmen.The rest of all those tried are not up to the job-and ,as people who watch Essex regularly should know,includes Westley.

[Andy]

The Aussies bowling is no better than the South Africans.  We generally went ok against them.

I'm not sure.  Arguably people have over estimated the Saffer bowling as a test for the Ashes.  Rabada et al are OK but with no Steyn and lacking a fit Philander at crucial times we did OK.  When Philander was even half fit we struggled.  Clearly the Windies are played their 3rd string team, but imagine if Philander stayed off the pies and the Saffers had borrowed Roach?