I fear picking Dan Lawrence to open for England prioritises personality as much as ability
For all Surrey batsman’s talent as flamboyant pinch-hitter, Keaton Jennings would have made a better choice in such a specialist position
![Dan Lawrence, of England, at the Oval/Michael Vaughan column: I fear picking Dan Lawrence prioritises personality as much as ability](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/cricket/2024/08/17/TELEMMGLPICT000390255287_17239091421450_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqLtKzI_Uzr234GdRkTuCnbZgojZYlP8f0i9h2tPqCNsM.jpeg?imwidth=350)
For all Surrey batsman’s talent as flamboyant pinch-hitter, Keaton Jennings would have made a better choice in such a specialist position
Despite not having captaincy experience, Pope’s 46 Test matches will have imbued him with everything he needs to be successful
When you look back at the last thirty-odd years of English batting, I’m not sure there has been a more influential figure
Wicket-keeper can be a true multi-format player to help England’s red-ball and white-ball teams thrive but his workload will need managing
After unmitigated failure in India, this tournament must see England progress – ramifications for those in charge could be serious if not
Brendon McCullum showed the respect that Anderson deserves – he is England’s greatest
Yes, there were nine draws in the Championship but the cricket has been reminiscent of Test matches in Australia
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Putting fun before winning is not the right approach – miserable sequence of results have given England fans little cause for celebration
England have created a wonderful player environment that is cosier than most in elite sports and this can breed complacency
If there were more understanding about what happens in the Hawk-Eye truck there would be less controversy
It was imperative that England prolonged their first innings – the partnership between Root and Foakes might yet win the match
England need to wake up and realise they cannot win playing just one way
England need former captain to become their rock again for victory in India, but statistics show he is struggling against slower deliveries
Performances against West Indies and Pakistan exposed key issues for Australia, who have begun to look jaded and lacking in fresh talent
Trying to blast his way back into form hasn't worked for Root – he should be allowed to do what he's best at