jim mk2

Boycott writing in the Sunday papers today said the way England play is "brainless" and he "can't take the team seriously anymore" “They never learn, because they never listen to anyone outside their own bubble, because they truly believe their own publicity." “A 40-run lead on a fast, bouncy, low-scoring pitch was huge and, with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope together at one stage, England were in charge at effectively 100 for one. But as exciting as this England team can be, they are always only a blink of an eye away from self-destruction. “Chasing balls away from your body on fast, bouncy pitches is fraught with danger. It’s like Russian roulette. Save those shots for low, slow surfaces where the odds are in a batsman’s favour. “When the Aussies get stuck for a wicket all they have to do is go fishing. Dangle the bait and wait for a bite. Our lot can’t resist." Who would argue with that?

This nice little run is very welcome but the big test of this very thin squad is ahead - the games come thick and fast, and injuries and tiredness will take their toll. We desperately need experienced cover in defence for the missing Wharton and Carter and in other parts of the team too. Will those players be coming to the club to help the manager and keep the momentum going? Very unlikely.

India series and the 2023 Ashes series were drawn 2-2 and England should have won both. To be fair, England played some proper cricket this summer, dug in when necessary but they've reverted to Bazball type in this Test. We won't win the next one either if they play the same way

To lose in 2 days like that requires a special kind of uselessness. McCullum and Stokes have questions to answer about the approach to that game in view of England's poor preparation for the series and the players need to look at themselves and rein in the Bazball nonsense and play proper Test cricket, which means patience and playing each ball on its merits.

Pathetic and as predicted. You can get away with batting like amateurs in one innings but not a second time. Horrible losing to them in any circumstances but this is a humiliation.

Watching the highlights Pears pulled off some very good saves in the first half that kept us in the game, though Preston should have scored. Gyuere (sp?) tried to put too much on his header when all he needed to do was glance it. All in all we have to be pleased with that result and we must have one of the best away records in the league. If only we could fix the home form and send the Ewood fans home happy for once

Can we play all our games away from home? Great win, unexpected. The league seems very open, not many outstanding teams; still think we’ll end up in the bottom half and the long season will take its toll on a thin squad

Is there any point in scheduling 5-day Tests any more? This could be over in 2 days Not Test cricket as we know and like to remember it but if England do somehow manage to win we'll take it

Let’s see how England bowl but that’s a pathetic start to the series.

Dear me, Rev It's Nottingham Forest and Notts County

He isn’t, he really isn’t

To be honest, I wouldn't say he was anonymous last night but many fans who aren't really aware of him and don't know his qualities like we do would have wondered why he was picked

I thought Wharton was quietly efficient without pulling up any trees. Did he do enough to start in front of a number of midfield players ahead of him in the pecking order - no, he didn't.

He’s like Wharton and Carter, an injury waiting to happen. England can only hope it’s a minor setback

To add to England's brilliant build-up, the walking piece of fragile glass that is Mark Wood is injured again