Off Topic England V West Indies / Ben Stokes

As a consolation, it doesn't really matter how many runs Stoneman, Westley and Malan score against the Windies, we are still likely at best to be unsure about our strength at 2,3 and 5 in the order, we won't know if they can handle an Ashes series. We will take nothing but confidence from this series, and if we should **** up somehow (very unlikely) it will be a significant downer.

 

Did I underestimate the Windies or overestimate the English?

 

Neither, just s bad day at the office apart from stokes & root, they will lucky to overtake englands score.

 

Much better from the Windies, but, as you suggested in the last post but one, our 2,3 and 5 don't look up to it. We are picking players who average 36 or 37 in county cricket - just not good enough. Good stuff from Stokes.

 

A really excellent long interview by Mike Atherton with Chris Lewis in the Times today. I didn't know that Lewis served 6 years of a 13 year sentence for smuggling drugs. He is blisteringly honest without a shred of self pity. He always seemed to usually just fall short of what his immense talent promised, and it comes as no surprise that he didn't really enjoy or appreciate the experience of being a professional cricketer, and he is big enough to admit he would play it differently if he had the chance again.

 

To be honest, with the players strike and myself not keeping up to date on form, l can make no prediction for the upcoming series.

 

Decent morning session for the Windies. Brathwaite would get in the England side.

 

Wasn't it him who hit Stokes for four sixes in the last over in the World Cup Final?...

 

That was Carlos Brathwaite and this is Kraigg - I think they're brothers. This bloke looks like a proper Test batsman

 

Very good day for the Windies. I find it hard to be disappointed by that.

 

Yeah, I'm pleased for them. Brathwaite looks class and Hope has finally come good in his twelfth Test - he only averaged 18 before today.

 

We have a game

 

Really looking forward to today's play. A lead of around 175 would make things tough for England. Time for the batsmen to stand up.

 

Good start, Anderson 2 in 2, potentially a good game ahead, your right time for batter 2, 3 and 5 to stand up

 

The drop by Moeen is proving very expensive. Should have been 329-8, but now 402-7. Woakes bowling poorly.

 

Aussies 18-3 in reply to 260 against.....Bangladesh.

If the Windies bowl like they did first innings England in trouble.

 

Just looked at the Aussie score. Seems Nathan Lyon has reached 250 test wickets, overtaking Richie Benaud and becoming only the 13th spinner to reach that milestone. How did that happen?

 

I noticed that and immediately thought,'who'? No idea how that occurred. Innocuous looking stuff, but he obviously takes wickets.

Westley

 

Match is beautifully poised, England just ahead with 7 wickets in hand. If we can get near 400 I'd back us to win it...

 

We would win with 300