AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND

JOE ROOT has been told he needs to be prepared to drop his senior players more readily as Australia eased themselves into yet another position of dominance in Sydney.

Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith laid down the foundations for their side after their bowlers wrapped up the England innings before lunch for 346.

In 13 matches at this ground England have never lost when posting more than 340 in the first innings, but it is worth remembering they have also posted 400 three times in the last 13 months and lost the game by an innings.

Whatever happens as the fifth and final Test evolves, one former captain is clear there needs to be a sea change in attitude towards senior pros when they are not performing.

Michael Vaughan reckons life has become too comfortable for the likes of Moeen Ali (above) and Stuart Broad who have struggled but remain in the side even though the team is losing.

Vaughan called for Broad to be dropped following his performance in Perth and he responded with wickets – and runs – in Melbourne, but Moeen’s struggles have continued through to Sydney where he made just 30 and again fell to a short ball.

“This England side is quite comfortable,” said Vaughan

creating a bit of a stir around the group.

“Sometimes you need to prod a player or two and drop a player or two just to try to force that mental change.”

There will have to be some difficult decisions made between now and England’s next Ashes tour in four years’ time as they look to build a side capable of pushing Australia further than this group have.

Mason Crane is one of three players to have made their debut on this tour, while Dawid Malan has emerged as a capable batsman who might make a move to No.3 in the future.