England's 3-0 clean sweep of West Indies was expected, but there are still questions to answer. BBC Sport chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt takes a look at the most pressing.
Call it what you like, the beginning of England's latest refresh has gone pretty much to plan, with an
The pass the parcel of keeping gloves and shifts up and down the order did little good for Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, so the utmost caution is advised. However, it might be that Smith is already the next-best option should a vacancy arise in England's top five. At the very least, if ever the balance of the team needs altering, say for an extra bowler in the subcontinent, Smith could certainly bat in the top six and keep.
Now with a fully functioning left knee, Stokes' all-round abilities would boost either of England's white-ball teams, at least when the schedule allows it. Even if his past fitness record is chequered, he has now gone some time without a long-term lay-off. In bowling terms, his body is relatively young - he has actually bowled fewer deliveries in his entire professional career than Stokes, an all-rounder, has bowled in first-class cricket alone. At 34, Wood seems to be getting quicker.
Stokes said he couldn't explain without sounding "ageist", yet there is some logic to selecting purely on age. At 35, Woakes is hardly a young man, though a full seven years younger than Anderson - seven years is well more than half of Woakes' Test career. It is not absolutely out of the question that Woakes is worth a place in the squad. If he isn't, a role as a home specialist is no bad thing, either.This isn't one for the England team but rather English cricket as a whole, including fans.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Shoaib Bashir’s five-fer spins England to remarkable victory over West IndiesYoung spinner rips through West Indies middle order with career-best haul of five for 41 as England clinch series win with a Test to spare
Read more »
England vs West Indies: 'Day in the dirt start of England's life after Anderson'England's day in the dirt during the second Test against West Indies at Trent Bridge is the start of life without James Anderson but they must develop ruthlessness in all facets, says chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt.
Read more »
England vs West Indies: England's 'interesting' Test selection proves they'll continue to take risksEngland's 'interesting' Test squad selection is further proof that captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum will continue 'take risks', says Michael Atherton.
Read more »
Brendon McCullum: England 'not finished article' despite 3-0 series win over West IndiesEngland's Test series win over West Indies shows the team's 'progression' but they are 'not the finished article' according to coach Brendon McCullum.
Read more »
Ben Stokes: Captain hits England's fastest Test half-century in Edgbaston win over West IndiesBen Stokes hits England's fastest Test half-century as his side win the third matches of the series against West Indies at Edgbaston by 10 wickets.
Read more »
Ben Stokes: Captain hits England's fastest Test half-century in Edgbaston win over West IndiesBen Stokes hits England's fastest Test half-century as his side win the third matches of the series against West Indies at Edgbaston by 10 wickets.
Read more »