The Ashes

[Tom Joad 25]

Beaten by a far better team who know how to win tests in their own country. Perhaps if we'd approached the first test in the same fashion as this one, we'd have had a slim chance. We threw the series away with our cavalier approach.

I genuinely had high hopes that we'd have a chance, and would at least win one, maybe two tests. Can't see that happening now.

Vaughan talks about not making huge changes in the immediate future, but I think we need 3 or 4 changes when we play our next home test. I also think the Baz Ball experiment will reach it's natural conclusion. I've enjoyed watching it, but this team needs proper coaching to compete against the top teams. Just going out and expressing yourself isn't enough against the best players in the world.

Is all true. I'd also like to see McCullum moved on to break the B and B golf clique, I'd like selection based on form, promise, ability and mentality. I'd like to see competition for places. I'd also like Rob Key and our anonymous bowling coaches removed. There is much promise there and Stokes is undoubtedly an inspirational captain- his place is not under threat-  but realistically isn't going to be playing for much longer. Once again, England will lose an important series not simply down to ability, but due to a soft mentality.