Cricket

I was happy to believe in the process around the declaration. In the last few years there has been a few instances of a clamour for an earlier declaration followed by vindication of leaving it a little later.

There were lots of factors around declaring later on day 4- Making sure they had a harder ball for the end of day 4 and the start of day 5, ensuring the bowlers were properly rested and ready to go again. Part of it may also have been making sure the top order were trying to settle with the wicket at its worst. The earlier the declaration the better the wicket while their best batsmen are getting set.

Seeing Root chatting with Jimmy on the balcony was reassuring. They both seemed content with the plan.