FIVE PLAYERS UNDER PRESSURE

JASON ROY: As brilliant as he is at the top of the order in one-day cricket, he shown little aptitude as a Test opener in the four matches he has played. It may be a small sample size, but an average of 8.85 as an opener is poor by any standards, especially when one of those matches was against Ireland. Debate will ensue about whether he should be dropped or shunted down to the middle order. But he surely cannot remain as an opener.

JOE DENLY: Few England players have looked more tortured at the crease at this level than the Kent batsman, whose first-innings 12 included 23 false shots from 49 balls. Was hit twice as he rode his luck in the second before eventually falling for 50. Looks badly out of his depth and, after six Tests, the experiment must end.

JOS BUTTLER: Appears mentally and physically drained following a year playing across all formats, including a major role in a gruelling World Cup-winning campaign. His form with the bat has dropped off a cliff, with Buttler making 54 Test runs at 10.08 this summer. Needs a rest.

JONNY BAIRSTOW: Is serviceable as a wicketkeeper but, with a better gloveman in Foakes waiting in the wings, he has to be given clarity about his role. Has the class to be a fine specialist Test batsman, but must be given a settled position in the top five rather than being asked to bat in a multitude of positions while keeping. Will make his place more vulnerable but needs to justify it with runs.

CHRIS WOAKES: Another who appears drained after the World Cup. The fact his form with the ball has declined the longer this series has gone on is no coincidence and the long-term chronic knee injury that requires careful treatment means he must be left out for the final two matches for either a fit-again James Anderson or Sam Curran.