I don't think I can recall 2 worse sides contesting the Ashes than these present sides - Yes, during the 90's, we had a few poor sides, but you could rely on the Aussies to keep the standard of the cricket fairly high - These 2 sides are both extremely mediocre and, as a result, the cricket is poor.
England are in desperate need of overhaul before they head off down under, but, unfortunately, they don't seemingly have time to do it....Bairstow is rubbish and is plainly not Test standard - He makes Eoin Morgan look a fair bet for a recall and I never rated him either.
Root has been rushed into the opening slot and unless he is moved back into the middle order, then I can see his Test career being in tatters come the end of the winter tour.... Personally, I'd take a punt on Michael Carberry and get Root back down at 6.