South Africa Tour of England

A large part of this game is to identify the moments to attack or defend, Yes batting as tough on the first morning, but not impossible. To get bowled out in 45 overs is criminal. Trying bat at 5 runs an over, in order o allow adequate time to bowl the opposition out twice, makes some sense, but only if conditions allow. You get 5 days, so use them.
Stokes is wasting his talents, he has the defensive technique to bat through tough periods, & earn the right to expand his game.
Broad on the other hand can no longer defend, so unless the side are on top, Leach looks like the only option at 8, he has at least shown the ability, & willingness to stay at the crease, & it made more sense for him to support Pope.
I'm all for playing your best bowlers, but this has to be the worst lower order since the days of Fraser, Caddick, Tufnell, & Malcolm.