Bank Holiday weekend in the UK and a lovely blue sky over Lord’s. It’s as glorious as it gets for England and Test cricket lovers, what more could you want? Well, plenty is the answer – and that’s not to sound greedy.
The iconic venue, along with its accompanying Nursery Ground – typically a place famed for that Lord’s buzz and people scurrying for a place on the grass to have a picnic – was all but empty as a clinical and professional Pakistan side made England look like schoolboys by wrapping up the first Test before lunch.
The English like getting their money’s worth, and for that matter, queuing inside and outside venues. But, there was to be none of that. Indeed, spectators were spared of a full refund by just 11 balls on day four as England lost a home Test beginning and ending in May for only the second time in their history.
The ground will though reimburse the spectators that were there 50 per cent of the price of their Sunday tickets, which generally range between £50-80, should you not have an unrestricted view.
Following another disastrous winter of discontent, England usually approach a summer on home soil with blind optimism. Duke ball in hand and all, everything is good. However, this time, that feeling had nothing to do with what was going on out in the middle.
Uncomfortable post-match: Coach Trevor Bayliss.
Lessons seemed to be learned. Managing Director Andrews Strauss’s pre-season implementation of a new domestic scouting network, inclusive of the likes of county stalwarts like Marcus Trescothick – was welcome progress – as was the appointment of Ed Smith as National Selector, a man in tune with the game.
Positively, these two examples of structural changes were made for England’s long-term benefit, with the aim ultimately of seeing the nation rise again back towards the top of the Test rankings.
The fiasco of the 100-ball proposal by the ECB overshadowed this good work, but it hasn’t covered up one area that was drastically overlooked – the future of coach Trevor Bayliss.
The Australian, whose inspired rejuvenation of England in limited-overs in cricket has been very impressive ahead of the 2019 ICC World Cup, has more or less confessed that he is not a fan of Test cricket.
Ultimately, England need to change him quickly, if they have any hope of seeing through their extensive vision. County coaches Jason Gillepsie, Chris Silverwood or Anthony McGrath could all step-up and bridge that gap between domestic and international competition. They could also bring some passion to the fold.
Devoid of leadership and tactical nous on the field, England have now lost six out of their last eight Tests. Evidence of a lack of structured coaching in batting, bowling and fielding departments has been obvious.
Bayliss, himself, has admitted that planning has not been up to scratch. An honest reflection, to be admired, but his time is up.
England need to make the change and appoint his successor as a short-term measure to get their long-term plan back on track.
Otherwise, they can write-off their 2019 Ashes hopes and probably their chances against India later this summer.
