I still think the Foakes decision has been a really bad one for this team. Not because Bairstow came in as such, but more it sent a message that the whole thing about we’ll keep backing you only applies if you’re one of the club. Foakes had demonstrably won England games, and got dropped for a player is clearly (perfect reasonably and not his fault) is not match fit.
With the injury to Pope what they should do is push Bairstow up to 3 and bring in Foakes. I’d look to bring in Wood, probably for Anderson. I’d like to see Woakes play at Headingley for Robinson, not because I think Robinson has been particularly bad but Woakes adds a bit of depth to the batting line up as well as being a decent first change.
However, I suspect they will want to get someone who can turn the ball so perhaps Ahmed comes in.
Stokes playing on one leg has unbalanced the side badly. Hasn’t made a 50 for something like 16 innings I was reading somewhere.
