Cook and The South African both owe us big scores as does Root and Prior..... will it happen ? I fear not. I think that throughout the team all the little "edges" we had in ability and all the psychological advantages have now evaporated. The Aussies know that they can compete with us and are doing so. Worryingly, I think this team has run it's course and now we are going to go on a spiral back down the international ladder.
A couple of years ago Anderson would rip through a top order and Swann only had to come on to get a wicket. The only bowler who really has come through in the last couple of years is Broad and he can't do it all on his own. the back up bowlers are variable at best.
As for the Batting, the team bats in fits and starts and not as a unit and can't seem to make 350+ batting first anymore.
Wicketkeeping ? Much as I have admired Matty, his batting is letting him down now and an alternative must be sought very soon if there is no improvement.
All in all a worrying picture, the only hope we have for this series is winning the toss on favourable wickets and getting the advantage of any weather conditions when they come along and hanging on when time is lost to rain.
Trott never learns and Root hasn't convinced me yet. Not ready to panic just yet....... 4 more tests to come.