How things have changed since those heady days when England won three successive Tests in subcontinental conditions that have all too often proved their downfall. Jonny Bairstow has been mucked around more than most since the time three years ago when he was doing a perfectly good job as England's keeper-batsman. Silverwood said yesterday that the policy must continue while Covid remains and could even be extended to the Ashes in November. But he must know deep down that England and their players have missed the chance to avoid undermining Test cricket. And England will have to think again about their supposed prioritisation of Test cricket after the most humbling of defeats.

Source: Daily Mail March 07, 2021 22:30 UTC