Thoughts on the 3rd Test

It’s been an absorbing Test of ebb and flow even if the cricket has not always been of the highest standard.

Going into the 4th day India is on top looking to set a commanding lead whilst leaving enough time to bowl England out.

The find of the summer has been speedster Ollie Robinson.

At six foot five he has a high delivery point which would be more than useful on those hard Aussie tracks if the Ashes take place.

I spoke to someone yesterday who’s son’s girlfriend is Australian. She visited her parents there and endured a quarantine where she was locked in a hotel room with bedding and meals left outside. I cannot see our precious cricketers tolerating this and if Australia does not relent the tour will be off.

I have long been an admirer of Chris Woakes.

Finding the successor for our new trade envoy to Australia Ian Botham has long dogged the selectors.

David Capel, Richard Ellison and Ronnie Irani were tried without success.

Ben Stokes finally filled the gap as a world class cricketer but Chris Woakes has suffered in his shadow.

He has taken 100 wickets and scored 1000 runs.

His bowling average of 23 and batting one of 51 compares with the very best.  Aside from Stokes’ presence, Woakes’ ascent to the highest stage had also been affected by injury and lack of form abroad.

Joe Root’s captaincy has come in for as much criticism as his batting is praised.

With his pace attack denuded by the absence of  Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Ben Stokes – and the unavailability until now of Ollie Pope and Chris Woakes – the decision to penalise Ollie Robinson for historic tweets he may have been tempted to think

“Bugger the captaincy, I’m going to concentrate on my batting.”

He certainly has racked up the runs in stark contrast to Virat Kohli now 3 years gone without a big score.

Another problem for India is Rishant Pant.

He came into the series as a thrilling wicketkeeper batsman who might rival Quentin de Kock but he seems mired by his predilection to attack and a situation that requires him not to.

He has made a long tail even longer.

Finally I have been critical of some of the new faces on Test Match Special.

Ebony Raynsford Brent however makes good points and has defined herself as an animated personality.

I’m less convinced by Dan Norcross who tries too hard and becomes too convoluted in trying to be amusing.