Plenty of people seem to be saying in an equally over the top way that one innings means that we forget a run of poor form that has lasted all summer and arguably much longer than that.

Mocking? Pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft.

As I said in Barnsley a few weeks ago and at the start of this thread in teeny tiny text, Cook won't be dropped no matter how bad his run of form is - because everyone in the England setup thinks he's great. My point is that Cook's position in the team has been guaranteed for too long, while the media bleat on about Trott OUT and KP OUT and <insert-name-here>OUT. No doubt Morgan will start getting it after this match, and Bell must be pleased! By doing nothing, he looks a better batsman doesn't he?

Anyway, let's close this off by saying that we all hope Cook kicks on from here, gets another ton in the final Test and finally scores some big runs against Australia this winter. That's what is important here, no?

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If you look at the ICC rankings, KP is the only batsman in the top 20. Cook is the 6th best English batsman at No 33, with Trott and Morgan still building up their points. Logic suggests that you cut from the bottom, so it should be Cook out first.

I would fathom in at least ten other factors before even looking at the ICC rankings. Remember, they are the same idiots that 'forgot' to put Swann on the player of the year shortlist!

Is the retired Shane Bond still 3rd in the test bowler rankings by the way?

I don't think we'll see many changes at all in this side going to the Ashes and frankly I wouldn't like to see too many.

One of the problems is that none of our top order batsmen are outstanding - arguably we're not as good a side as we were in 2005 - and it's debateable how we compare to 2009.

The good thing is the Aussies aren't anything like as good as they have been so they will struggle to knock us over if we are diligent.

I would fathom in at least ten other factors before even looking at the ICC rankings. Remember, they are the same idiots that 'forgot' to put Swann on the player of the year shortlist!

Is the retired Shane Bond still 3rd in the test bowler rankings by the way?

Last I heard Monty was batting up the order for Sussex 2nd XI and not taking many wickets.

On the contrary , he has been bowling well for Sussex in recent weeks after a shaky start and was highly praised last week after an excellent performance vs Derbyshire.

TMS opinion in the week was that he will go to Australia as the second spin bowler ahead of Rashid and Tredwell.