Hello from Headingley. As JP has explained, it is not a pleasant morning up here, but this grottiness really shouldn’t last. From my vantage point, I see dark clouds to my right but brighter sky to the right. The rain is light and annoying, not sufficient to raise a brolly.
What did we think of England’s decision? I don’t mind it. Putting to one side the ~look up before you look down~ mythology about the toss at Leeds, the idea of putting Australia’s weakened batting line-up under maximum pressure on morning one makes sense to me.
Urgh, ignore what I said a paragraph ago about the umbrellas – they’re up now, as the ground staff lay out the run-up covers. As my great, great (great?) uncle wrote 120 years years ago, Such Is Life.
I trust we all got a look at this video of Jofra? I was watching it all play out in the nets yesterday, picking up on the first of his several lightsaber leaves. He’s going to walk out this week and do this impersonation in a Test Match, isn’t he? It’s his sport now.
I expect we have some time to kill. You know the drill: email your considered prose, tweet me your hottest takes. Good morning.
Greg James
(@gregjames)Jofra Archer is the hero the world needs. pic.twitter.com/UlzFqHKlgX
Updated
Right, that’s all from me for now. Adam Collins has survived a tour of duty along the Western Terrace and he’s taken his seat in the media centre. I’ll catch you back here tomorrow.