BUMBLE AT THE TEST

OPEN THE DOOR TO LYTH

IS it horses for courses or a square peg in a round hole? I can’t see that Moeen Ali is a Test opener. His strengthth is playing aggressively down the order and he just hasn’t lasted long enough in this role. It will have to be Alex Hales next but I can’t help thinking that Adam Lyth (right) is the best option. ption.

GO FOR THE CHEAP SEATS!

THERE I was minding my own business between commentary stints on the second day when I went to watch the game in the main stand right behind the bowler’s arm in the VVIP area — that’s very, very important people only. I sat down and a whole row of 10 seats all attached together collapsed to leave me on the floor. This stadium will be nice when it’s finished…

SHARJAH SHENANIGANS

WHEN I was England coach, we won a Champions Trophy here in 1997. I had never seen so many with mobile phones hanging around dressing g rooms and anti-corruption on people have looked at that tournament. Our captain Adam Hollioake (right) reported an approach to our manager er David Graveney but I was as unaware of it.

NOT DRY IN THE DESERT

THERE’S a smattering of the Barmy Army here and they do like a sing-song. And that makes them very thirsty. Yet even in a dry state like Sharjah they are very resourceful and trust them to suss out the only licensed premises. It’s called the Wanderers Club and it was set up by some tarmac engineers years ago by kind permission of a local sheik. Cheers!

PITCH PERFECT PAIR

EXCELLENT innings from James Taylor who was England’s busiest player. He was always looking to score whereas Ian Bell dropped anchor. There was a period when England were not going anywhere but Taylor got things going with Jonny Bairstow (right). They knew how to play on this pitch.