Ignoring the fact England won't be 150-2, that's a narrow basis for picking a Test #4. It's not going to make you a good Test side - it won't win you matches and series' v the better sides.
Resting Cummins has nothing to do with the next series. Australia has been promoting their bowler rotation policy to make sure there are fresh legs in each test.
England were 166/2 at Old Trafford and one of the two was the night watchman. Roy came in at Number 5 and scratched around for 22 while the innings fell in a heap.
Yes, Smith, Labuschagne, Head and Wade are locks.
I do not agree with dropping the world #1 bowler.
Who said anything about dropping, it's resting to avoid injury/burn out after he bowled 48 overs last test and played 4 tests in 4 weeks or so.
But you're not dropping him, you're only ensuring he's not overworked. He's just played a full World Cup and a Test series that started mere days after it. And from what I've seen, he's put in 100% effort every time he's run to the crease during that period. He's such an incredible asset that I wouldn't be trying to wring one more match out of him that even if you shake it down, doesn't matter in the grand context.
I guess the batting bar has moved if you think Root and Bairstow have done pretty well with the bat.
Certainly it wouldn't be 'easily'. But I think England would be favourites at home at least without Smith. And part of that is England's attack has just wilted at the mere sight of Smith. Lo and behold, when he's not there at Leeds they clean up the rest, albeit that it was a fairly conducive pitch.
This is the reason I didn't think the Leeds loss would damage Australia psychologically. To lose by one wicket and perhaps unluckily without the best batsman in either side would have been depressing but something you can overcome when you know Smith is coming back and you had the option of getting some variety and pace with Starc.
Hahaha oops
Australia have the better bowling but England have the better batting (Without Smith obviously). The thing is if England had have batted even somewhat normally in the first innings at Leeds the game wouldn't have even been close. As it was even getting dismissed for 67 didn't stop victory.
