Well yesterday was a bit of a poor show but I did feel rather knackered. I believe that is what I was going to type but I was interrupted as Bethany awoke in that strange way that after leaving her for only the 2nd time she was sound asleep for my parents but decided to rouse when we returned and they left. I think the wife was secretly pleased as she had missed her and the opportunity to comfort her back to sleep provided her with the mothering fix she had missed. It was nice to get out even if I felt a little like we had gatecrashed her sister's wedding anniversary - presumably Louise and Paul would rather have had a romantic meal alone together.
   Anyway the inevitable England defeat after yesterday's collapse against Pakistan in the 3rd test. Alistair Cook's century no doubt guarantees his place for the next couple of series. Why are the selectors so reluctant to drop batsmen when they are out of form but will gladly operate a revolving door policy with regard to bowlers. Their logic no doubt dictates that the more artisan bowlers were not incisive enough and will decide to freshen up the attack whilst insisting that the batsmen need "time in the middle" especially as the main under fire batter going into this test made a century. Again it appears that we are not as good as we think we are and Cook's position would not have been questioned so much if the others were scoring runs. Any decent side can afford to carry one player having a poor run but if no-one is in great form then that players deficiencies are highlighted all the more. Pietersen is also having a poor run but they wouldn't dare drop him. The trouble with this policy is that no other player gets a chance to prove themselves and put pressure on the incumbents. There are a number of bowlers with test experience now -  Shazzad and Bresnan are probably next in line with players such as Panesar, Sidebottom and Onions still waiting in the wings. As for the batsmen the inconsistent Bell will probably replace Morgan when he's fit leaving only Bopara and the limited international experience of Carberry as cover. Because the current top order have no pressure on them there is no urgency for them to perform.