Just gone back to my posting on 4/7/15 where I predicted 3-2 in England's favour. I regret Joe Coral, Betfred and the rest won't be out of pocket on my account though, as I didn't put any money where my mouth was!
Actually the result was a fair one, much fairer than the 3-0 of 2013. Both Australia and England were guilty of selectorial blunders though imo. Siddle should have come in at Trent Bridge, where he played some county cricket, because the pitch there would have suited his style more than the Oval's, and he didn't do too badly there.Apparently neither Lehmann nor Clarke wanted Siddle in the side, but Lehmann was overruled by Rod Marsh and Clarke never was a selector!
England's batting really wasn't up to scratch in any match, only the marvellous Root and to a certain extent Ali played to their potential. Hales has been stupidly treated by the powers-that-be and should have come in at Trent Bridge in place of Lyth, in comparison with whom Sam Robson was superb last year. Rashid and Footitt weren't bloodied: the latter, like Finn, is not economical and does bowl no-balls but he gets wickets, and many bowled like in the current match with Kent. A left arm bowler would add some variety. Wood is overhyped imo and it's obvious he doesn't have a long career ahead of him due to his chronic ankle condition.
