Monty's spat with the bouncer is what ruled him out.
I think Kerrigan is actually England's No. 4 spinner to be honest after Swann, Panesar and Tredwell but with no Panesar and Tredwell also being an offie he was the one who was selected.
And really, fair enough too. He's consistently put the numbers on at FC level for around three years now. He just looks like he completely got the yips when playing in a test match. Could happen to anyone I suppose.
Woakes too is averaging less than 30 and around 40 with the bat this season. He justifies selection virtually as a batsman and it's not like Bairstow has set the world on fire this series.
They have identified we are all but f**king useless against spin so dumped the underperforming batsman in Bairstow for their most in-form quick bowling all-rounder in Woakes. Brought in their best spinner who takes it away from the right hander in Kerrigan (would have been Panesar but for discipline) and there you go.
I completely get the tactic, and it makes double sense in a dead rubber in case it backfires (which it kinda sorta has).
I get it too, but it is a little arrogant, but I guess that reflects the series, and the two teams... Certainly Cook and Trott especially will be disappointed, and tbh I think they look stronger with Root at 6 and Compton opening...
England can play much better, and that should worry Australia...
Agree on Woakes, but pace bowling looks thin with him as #3, akin to Australia using 2 quicks + Watson...
