Spoke too soon

I spoke too bloody soon.  Just when I start to believe the England team is invincible the wheels come off.  It had to happen, we knew that really.  Even the team was telling us to expect the odd defeat along the way as they try to change test cricket forever.  So why am I so bloody angry?

Because…  Because it shouldn’t have happened.  We were the better team, we’d set the match up and the only sensible decision was to bat on and keep the Kiwis in the field, take defeat out of the equation.  Enforcing the follow on was the quirky, funky thing to do, it was the flash thing to do, the arrogant thing.  If this match had taken place this coming summer with Australian opponents would England have declared?  I think definitely not.  England let the Kiwis back in the game for what?  For the sake of the game?  Bollocks.  This devalues test cricket and in some regions and the recent past this decision would have been scrutinised for dark reasons.  Fair play to New Zealand for making the most of the opportunity but make no mistake, England dominated this series and where by far the better team.  A drawn series flatters the home side, England gave it to them.

A week ago there were no questions but now I’m wondering where did Ollie Robinson go in this match?  Is Crawley looking over his shoulder yet?  With Bairstow set to return soon who will make way?  I hope it isn’t Foakes!