It's bright and crisp with some north in the wind the last few days, can't control the weather only dress for it. It's lovely on the water this time of year. The close of play score didn't look very likely earlier in the day.
Just seen the BBC caption that "England seek quick runs" I would have thought it would be more prudent to allow Lawrence time to hopefully accumulate round. If it is a draw, because the important thing is to allow the batters to rebuild their confidence after the hammering in Australia. It was also good to see the West Indies post a good score as it has been a while since they totalled anything over 300.
Very pleased that we're allowing Alsop game time with Sussex. His career needs it. But I'm a little annoyed that the loan covers all three formats, rather than just the Championship and the t20s. I'd gave rather kept him for the 50 overs. Not only will we be minus Vince at a minimum for the competition (and maybe other batters), but it's easily Alsop's best format; the only one which he has managed to 'crack'.
Bugger that! Skittle them twice and head for a beach bar for several:- please log in to view this image https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/rum-punch
I am a romántic! The Windies were the team for me to support in the 70s and 80s because of the Hampshire connection. And then there was Michael Holding who glided so gracefully when bowling. Even now, I have an affection for them. So make England work hard, something England didn't do in Oz. Talking of the test so far, really pleased Lawrence made a decent score.
Alsop to Sussex (on loan) - I did not see that coming. In my opinion, he is the best option we have for number 3 in the Championship side. I know he hasn't got a large volume of runs behind him in that format, but he can play fairly steadily like an opener if we lose an early wicket. I wonder if they'll try Gubbins at number 3 to accommodate Donald in the side, the only other options would be Vince (I like him at number 4 or 5) or young Prest. Holland Weatherley Gubbins Vince (c) Donald Dawson Brown (wk) Barker Abbott Wheal Abbas I reckon that's what they might go with for the first game, not playing the second spinner in Crane due to early season conditions and having Prest as the back-up batsman. Or they could play Prest at number 3, Gubbins at 5 and let Donald find some match sharpness and form in the 2nd XI to start with. I hope they throw Brown straight in as keeper and don't play McManus. I've got nothing against him in particular, just that playing Brown would simply make it a stronger team.
I've got to say the two pitches prepared so far for the West Indies test series have been an absolute disgrace. Not providing good matches at all.
I agree . I read somewhere that the Windies have prepared these pitches to guarantee 5 days play to maximise their revenue . Sad if true , but a sign of the times .
Likewise Pakistan to nullify Australia's firepower against their own normally brittle batters although Pakistan do have a good bowling attack
So an honourable draw in Bridgetown. Oñe senses these dead pan piches have been prepared to protect the brittleness of the WI batters.
If England had played the wrist spinner, Parkinson. Maybe it would have been a more exciting finish...Stokes played shots.. on a 'dead pitch'. The match had potential..
It's only a two day friendly, so needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but from what I tell by looking at the scorecard, Brown initially kept wicket today and then Lewis took over later.
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Put in on a green pitch 2-30 David Gower's veiw "Suddenly the decision to bowl first is looking as good as it gets. They've managed to get rid of England's master batter in Joe Root". Glad they confirmed it was master batter he said.
