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For the first time since 1995, England has started the home summer with a loss, with the mercurial Pakistan winning the first Test by nine wickets.
Joe Root’s problem of not converting fifties into hundreds continued yet again, only managing 68.
Jos Buttler impressed with fifty in the second innings, but Dawid Malan needs to get a big score after his exploits in the Ashes. Johny Bairstow has the opportunity to bat up the order, and must be given a longer rope.
Dom Bess showed a hell of a lot of character on debut, putting on a century partnership with Buttler, but his bowling should determine his spot, not his batting, as England have struggled for a No.1 spinner. And with Adil Rashid choosing to focus on limited overs cricket, England need to be patient rather than rush back to Moeen Ali.
James Anderson is like a wine, getting better with age, but the search for his successor should start sooner rather than later. Stuart Broad could do the job, but he is more of a hit-the-deck bowler and in England you need more swing and seam.
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You’ve got to feel bad for Mark Wood, who bowled with speed and purpose, clocking over 140 kph, but had his chances put down.
The slips need to own up – Alastair Cook, who has the most assured hands in the cordon, has caught fewer than 70 per cent of chances since 2015.
Ben Stokes seems worried over his previous actions and hence hasn’t looked his aggressive self. He needs to be told to go out there and give his absolute best, knowing England rely on his batting, bowling and fielding.
So the problem with England is the personnel.
On the bright side, most of their players are in their late 20s or early 30s, so have more cricket to play and are expected to get better. England need to persist with the same players and same strategy, rather than change around the field constantly, showing nervy energy, such as having Root at short leg when the captain should be fielding at first slip or mid-on to get a better view of the field and game.
Trevor Bayliss has to take the charge and be consistent with selections and field placings.
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