Fantastic two days for England. I think the questions around numbers 1-3 have been answered for the short term at least.Whilst I wouldn’t say Hameed and Malan played with complete assurance, they looked more composed and natural than those previously occupying the spots. Root is just magnificent. Playing a different game to most of the rest of the world let alone this side.
Whilst it has been fantastic, some of the frailties and question marks over some players remain. If Bairstow and Butter have all this natural ability that isn’t quite perfect for more challenging circumstances and they still struggle to really put their foot on the throat of the opposition, what is their batting circumstances?
Ultimately, there is so little depth in test match quality waiting in the wings so it’s very difficult to simply say drop them. Though in Buttler’s case with everything he has said about his availability in the fairly immediate future, I think it’s a little easier to make that call.