England's lower order is already No. 1

England have come a long way in the last 12 years – from the world's worst Test team to virtual table-toppers, for a start, writes David Lloyd in the Independent. And while the reasons behind their climb are many and varied, the run-scoring ability of the lower order is an especially significant factor.

Since 2008, England wickets seven to 10 have accumulated more than 5,700 runs at an average of 27.57. And, during that time, there have been 11 century partnerships and 25 of 50 or more. Impressive statistics? Definitely – and unmatched by any other team.

One of the key figures in that lower order at Trent Bridge was Tim Bresnan and Vic Marks in the Guardian writes that while Bresnan is a stout, dependable, cheerful, no-nonsense man, whom you would welcome into the trenches, down the pit, in the dressing room, he is also a very serious international cricketer and on the brink of being a regular one.

He was drafted into this Test match only because Chris Tremlett was injured. Now, after taking seven wickets and scoring 101 runs at Trent Bridge, how can he possibly be left out of the XI at Edgbaston next week?

There is something wonderfully reassuring about having Bresnan and Broad at eight and nine in the order. Bresnan bats with pleasing orthodoxy. He may look like a tail-end, blacksmith biffer. In fact he moves into line in a manner that any true Yorkshireman applauds with an imperceptible nod of the head. For all those muscles Bresnan prefers the cover drive to the swat over mid-wicket.