*Official* England Tour of West Indies 2019

[StephenZA]

There’s an idea which seems to be increasingly pervasive around these parts - that unless the bowler produces an unplayable snorter then its all on the batsman when there dosmissed. That’s never been the case. Context is everything, if you’re bowling tight and applying consistent pressure, it forces errors. Bowling attacks deserve credit for shiz like that.

While I agree with the sentiment.... the criticism laid at England's batting is that they constantly play loose shots, not just this game but many games. And then under tricky conditions appear not to have the technique to handle the pressure but more importantly few are willing to put the time in, aggression all the time. You look at WI and they are not exactly a star studded batting lineup but managed to get to 300 on a tricky surface against a pretty decent attack by applying themselves, taking 200 balls to score 50 runs is impressive for me. I don't see a single Eng batsmen capable of being that patient, they will eventually play a risky shot because they feel bogged down. So the counter to good tight bowling is batting patience it is not like time was running out in the match.

 

[Stefan9]

West Indies showed application and grit. Seems England can't bat on pitches that favour the bowling side.

 

[hazsa19]

Astonishing performance from WI again, thoroughly deserve the plaudits.

As for England, is it that surprising? Unless we discover a couple of proper test match batsmen it’s gonna remain like this away from home. Occasionally one of the all rounders will dig us out of trouble. It’ll all be forgotten when we spank Australia at home, then we’ll be in the exact same position next winter.

Most concerning for me is Root. looks a shadow of his former self, obsessed with the idea of captaincy, what was that pre game bollocks to do with it not being important who scores runs? Wake up Joe, you’re the only one capable of consistently scoring 1000+ runs a year, we need you to be our Kohli.

 

[Jarquis]

Was late so I may have misheard but on commentary I'm sure they said he was the most bowled batsman in tests this decade.

Batting records | Test matches | Cricinfo Statsguru | ESPNcricinfo.com

 

[Woodster]

I do hope we don’t persist in this being positive at all costs despite of the match situation kind of mindset. I fully understand and appreciate there’s going to be times when as batsmen they will need to put some pressure back onto the bowlers, but we don’t seem to acknowledge those moments in a Test match when everything is in the bowlers favour and you just need to dig in and get through it.

My worry is they’re thinking along similar lines as the ODI side despite it being completely different formats. The ODI had these collapses early on when they were reinventing themselves as a one-day side, but they maintained the positive attitude despite wickets falling regularly and got through the sticky period and are now ranked the best ODI side in the world, with justification. We have similar types of batsmen that will keep attacking, but Test cricket is a whole different ball game!

 

[Furball]

Congratulations to the West Indies, been far too long since they've won a series.

 

[Beamer]

Great performances and dominated by us from start to finish. That is huge progress.

Now in the third test lets unleash Oshane and see what he's got to offer.

 

[Spikey]

is there a general english selection thread

 

[Heboric]

is there a general english selection thread

Yip

http://www.cricketweb.net/forum/cricket-chat/76593-england-players-selection-discussion-thread.html

 

[Slifer]

Just reading a bit about it, I see the second match was abandoned due to a poorly prepared ground. Were the roads an overcompensation to make sure no more matches could be abandoned?

Imo the roads were prepared so that wi could preserve their 1-0 lead. Which they eventually did

 

[Top_Cat]

Cringe-worthy moment from Nasser Hussain in comms when WI took the W:

"What a win from a proud cricketing nation!"

....of a team comprised of several nations.

Anyway, so good to see this team do well, have a few guys I personally love watching play (Alzarri Joseph - sensational). Hope they give more teams the sort of touch up they've delivered to England here. That's been the best part, equal parts domination, style and some real grit on a rough deck.

And how much of a MVP is Holder right now.

 

[harsh.ag]

I have absolutely loved watching this bowling attack in action (albeit in highlights). Gabriel, who seemed the leader of the attack only last year, seems #4 almost and that can only be a good development.

 

[vcs]

The pace attack (backed up by Chase) has a nice balance to it. Hope they stick with the Dukes ball and lively pitches. No more of the UAE-esque slow, low garbage they had for years.

 

[Jarquis]

Cringe-worthy moment from Nasser Hussain in comms when WI took the W:

"What a win from a proud cricketing nation!"

....of a team comprised of several nations.

Why isn't the West Indies a nation?

 

[Borges]

The West Indies is a cricketing nation.

 

[andmark]

Could be a case of differentiating the meanings of "state" and "nation". It's possible for multiple states to form a single cricketing nation.

 

[trundler]

It's nitpicking anyway. Don't see why several nations can't comprise a single cricketing nation.

 

[trundler]

If I'm not mistaken WI have a tour to England scheduled for next summer. Hope this pace attack grows into the most destructive unit it can be by then.

 

[fredfertang]

Are the ICC really going to suspend Holder for the slow over rate?

If true I find that deeply disappointing

 

[Stefan9]

Was he on a warning before the test like faf or is it a first offence?