Frustrating to see Prior getting stick for only scoring 31 from no7 (remember that he's the wicketkeeper). He has one style; sometimes it comes off, sometimes it doesn't. Everyone should be aware of that.

You pass critical judgement on the batting line up and then offer up Compton as the answer?  Good grief...

Suggested alternative take:

Cook - has been out of form before, like just ahead of the last tour to Australia.....

Root - if you have the technique and temperament you can bat anywhere.  He has the technique and the temperament

Trott - is clearly out of form judging by his batting this summer - not.   He got close to 50 in the 1st innings and a crap decision in the 2nd.

Peterson - he's a stroke maker who looks to dictate terms.  That's higher risk and he's going to fail occasionally.  Aside from that he hasn't had much cricket following the injury.

Bell - just look at him bat.  Clearly not in bad form, just not at his best yet (but he is 66 not out, which is the best by any batsman on either side).

Bairstow - I agree with the general view on him but where else do you turn?  The selectors have a reputation for sticking with someone they think has the ability to make the grade, which is to be applauded after the antics of past regimes

Fair play to Bell playing really well with Broad. Agree Compton isnt a world beater but he is a better opener than Root.

Lead of 217 need to try and get upto 300 then we've got a good chance. Broad and Bell playing very well.

Small point of order, but Hughes finished the 1st innings on 81no

IMO that's called evening the score. 

and cheating Nick

Very lucky but makes up for yesterday so its even. We have to go on and win now though. 91 partnership fantastic but a bit slow, still outside chance of a draw.

...

Sorry, but I don't feel bad about it at all. We've had two shockers go against us - and on video review for heaven's sake! - so I will do nothing but celebrate Aleem Dar's glorious decision. 

I wouldn't expect you to, BUT what if Bell is caught out after a call hits the floor and the Aussies claim the catch and get the decision?

But I take your point, things do even themselves up

True, but on another small point of order he is now 89 not out.....

I assume Australia were out of reviews?   Shades of the Wimbledon Final....

I'm still mystified by the Trott decision.  Surely if you haven't got access to all of the evidence then there must be some doubt, you don't just decide it's not relevant. 

Just think how many more sucessful prosecutions there would be if lack of evidence counted against the accused....

Lead of 261 get that to 350 and you would think its job done. Stunning effort from Bell today probably his best test innings.

S**t??

That was a fantastic day of Test cricket.  In what way do you disapprove?

That was one of the best days of Test cricket ever! If you don't appreciate "steady" periods, then I'm not sure why you would even buy tickets for a Test match. 

Ah, and there's the flaw in the ECB strategy of enticing people into cricket via the 20/20 crash-bang-wallop.....