Both sets of seam bowlers were flogged trying and failing to get any bounce out of this slow, low, lifeless pitch. It was like banging the ball into porridge. The public will not keep paying huge ticket prices to see a no-contest. We have seven Tests during our summer and if we play on decks like this our seam bowlers will become exhausted and lose their enthusiasm. Every country has the right to request and get from the groundsmen surfaces that suit their bowlers. It has always happened and there is nothing in the laws of cricket against it. It is not cheating or gamesmanship, just common sense.