So, about 8 days after the Antigua test was meant to have started, the Windies tailend clung on, and blocked their way to an unlikely draw. Sure, the pitch at the ARG remarkably lasted the full five days, and a fantastic test ensued, however, having seen England strive valiantly, it was hard to to accept a draw.
Sure, losing time to rain in the morning, didn’t help, and the decision not to enforce the follow-on will now be debated, but we remain no better informed as to how good England are at the moment. Sure, the Windies stood up manfully to the task and seem to be a far better team than the one England have dessimated over recent series, but England’s bowling attack have been made to look a little toothless.
India’s monumental run chase before Christmas caused worries, and this only compounds them. We rely too much on Flintoff, and when he isn’t 100% we appear no more penetrative than the Kiwis. I’m concerned.
February 22, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I agree – the next two tests will be a question of whether we can get 20 wickets or not and based on the last game, you’d have to say we won’t.
I’m tired of watching the out of shape Harmison fart it out in the low 80′s – we need some real pace back in our attack.
Just not sure where it’s going to come from…
February 22, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I’m not sure that either of the folks they have flown out would be an adequate replacement, and we have certainly seen so far that our pacemen are not going to blow the Windies away. I’d suggest taking a gamble and giving Rashid a go, something a little different, a bit of variety and surprise.