Entertaining game even with the lost time due to the weather. England handled Lyon much better in the second innings. Roy and Root are struggling as are Warner and Bancroft. The bowlers have taken centre stage in the first two tests except for that man Smith. Nice century from Stokes. Hard fought innings from the Smith substitute Labuschagne. Doesn't sound like Smith will play the next test with the quick turnaround and it's probably for the best logic wise and medical wise. Starc will probably be in also so Australia can get a look at all of their pace bowlers before the series gets too old. Siddle might make way for Starc. Australia still haven't solved the riddle of the top order and it's been that way for quite a while now. Bancroft might get one more chance to redeem himself while Warner has been no better really. Moving Stokes up the order was obvious and it paid dividends.
Smith aside, it does seem like there’s very little separating the two batting line ups. If he doesn’t play on Thursday, the Aussie top order have to step up.
Similarly England need Root to do the same, they cannot rely on the lower order if they are going to turn this around, though the brilliant debut of Archer at least gives them some hope.
Looking forward to Leeds, hopefully the weather plays ball next time and we get another great test match.