The Headingley declaration resulting in the loss to the West Indies was dismissed as adventurous captaincy. The decision to insert here was bewildering and will probably rank alongside other "great errors" such as made by Hussain and Ponting. Perhaps it is time to christen him "calamity Joe"? I have a strong feeling we are heading towards another 5-0 against what cannot possibly be described as a strong Australia side.
Ally was often criticised by the pundits for being too cautious / conventional - many of them opined England could have won the first test in India last winter if not for his conservatism. Maybe Joe has swung too far the other way, with funky fields galore? Before the "sack the captain" campaign starts, however, remember he's on a learning curve - and a very steep one.
In his defence, however, it must be said that he couldn't have foreseen all the experienced England seamers all bowling below par in helpful conditions on day 1. Jimmy, in particular, had a real stinker, possibly the worst opening spell he's produced for England for a decade. But even the very best have their bad days.
stoneman out now. Hard to see us saving this one .
