England [514/8d] beat West Indies [168 & 137] by an innings and 209 runs in the first Test

[UN talkz]

SQUADS

England: JE Root (c), MM Ali , JM Anderson , JM Bairstow †, SCJ Broad , AN Cook , MS Crane , DJ Malan , TS Roland-Jones , BA Stokes , MD Stoneman , T Westley , CR Woakes

West Indies: JO Holder (c), KC Brathwaite , D Bishoo , J Blackwood , RL Chase , ML Cummins , SO Dowrich †, ST Gabriel , SO Hetmyer , KA Hope , SD Hope †, AS Joseph , KOA Powell , RA Reifer , KAJ Roach

 

[Markhor]

Good news on the ticket sales front.

Day 2 is sold out, 92% of tickets sold for day 1 and 98% for day 3. Over 40% have been first time buyers.

 

[Markhor]

Mikey Holding really is the Morgan Freeman of cricket, narrates a pretty good package of England-West Indies series over the years.

Was a great rivalry back in the day, but one-sided as of late.

Weather looks excellent, let's see if West Indies benefit from already having exposure to a D/N Test.

 

[Markhor]

Pitch looks a belter.

 

[Markhor]

No Shannon Gabriel for West Indies who had a terrible outing at Derby in the warmup match.

The pace attack is Roach, Joseph, Cummins and Holder.

 

[mak36]

No Shannon Gabriel for West Indies who had a terrible outing at Derby in the warmup match.

The pace attack is Roach, Joseph, Cummins and Holder.

Gabriel did pretty well against Pakistan though?

 

[Markhor]

Gabriel did pretty well against Pakistan though?

True but his fitness and no-balling has been problematic.

Bowled 20 no-balls and went at 7 an over against very weak Derbyshire team.

 

[Markhor]

[MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION] - Fazeer Mohammad is also saying on TMS that Gabriel has not fully recovered from a side strain.

 

[mak36]

True but his fitness and no-balling has been problematic.

Bowled 20 no-balls and went at 7 an over against very weak Derbyshire team.

I know, but I feel that he is someone who bowls within himself in such friendlies.

Agree that no-balling is an issue though.

 

[mak36]

[MENTION=142670]mak36[/MENTION] - Fazeer Mohammad is also saying on TMS that Gabriel has not fully recovered from a side strain.

That makes sense- thanks for the info.

 

[mak36]

No Woakes.

 

[Markhor]

Stoneman bowled by Roach !

Roach had sprayed it all over the place in his first over but he got it right that time.

 

[Amjid Javed]

root might as well open for england, are there actually any decent openers in english county cricket.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Don't understand why Root since becoming captain has slipped himself down to 4 as he was their best bat at 3.

Malan needs to play his natural game rather than defending agonizingly when he's at the crease, he is a free flowing player and looks good when he plays his natural game.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Pace looks down from both pacers but Roach is faster than what we saw of him a couple of years ago. I would expect the Skipper to be very effective and dare I say dangerous on this pitch. The ball is moving around and troubling the shaky English top order.

Cook however looks stable and in sublime form, as always.

I've waited for this Test for a long time. Intense rivalry and should be very interesting to watch.

 

[ExpressPacer]

root might as well open for england, are there actually any decent openers in english county cricket.

Stoneman is supposed to be very good. Wonder what happened to Haseeb Hameed though. That kid was hailed to be the next Boycott.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Joseph leaking a lot of runs but he looks good regardless.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

No Shannon Gabriel for West Indies who had a terrible outing at Derby in the warmup match.

The pace attack is Roach, Joseph, Cummins and Holder.

Ohh so he is dropped

 

[ExpressPacer]

Miguel Cummins is a serious trundler.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Ohh so he is dropped

Not dropped. Had a strain in his leg.

 

[Markhor]

That looked out.

And it is out. Cummins immediately makes an impact.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Miguel Cummins is a serious trundler.

And the very next delivery he gets a wicket... West Indies 39-2.

 

[mak36]

How was that not given out on the field by Erasmus? It was plumb and just looked out. Good use of DRS.

Wasn't much of a crowd reaction when it happened live either.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Stoneman is supposed to be very good. Wonder what happened to Haseeb Hameed though. That kid was hailed to be the next Boycott.

To be fair stoneman should be given 3 test atleast to stake a claim in side, Hameed has been injured and then out of form recently.

 

[Markhor]

Stoneman is supposed to be very good. Wonder what happened to Haseeb Hameed though. That kid was hailed to be the next Boycott.

Hameed averages 24 this season in County, really lacking form and confidence.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Woah, I take what I said back - while he is slow, Cummins looks dangerous.

 

[mak36]

Hameed averages 24 this season in County, really lacking form and confidence.

He's starting to find his form now- I imagine he will be back soon.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

[MENTION=139981]HitWicket[/MENTION] Are they using Dukes or Kookaburra?

 

[ExpressPacer]

To be fair stoneman should be given 3 test atleast to stake a claim in side, Hameed has been injured and then out of form recently.

I agree. England needs to persist with young, potential talents. It's strange that the English selectors either falsely keep selecting average players (Carberry) or show zero tolerance (Hameed, Jennings). I would have liked if Jennings was given confidence and more chances.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Hameed averages 24 this season in County, really lacking form and confidence.

Doesn't really dominate as a batman anyway and gives serious vibes of nervousness but I think he's the answer to Englands opening predicament.

 

[Markhor]

[MENTION=139981]HitWicket[/MENTION] Are they using Dukes or Kookaburra?

Its a pink Dukes.

 

[mak36]

The weird thing about the lbw appeal against Westley was the lack of reaction from everyone. The fielders, the crowd and the commentators didn't really seem to react.

 

[HitWicket]

I agree. England needs to persist with young, potential talents. It's strange that the English selectors either falsely keep selecting average players (Carberry) or show zero tolerance (Hameed, Jennings). I would have liked if Jennings was given confidence and more chances.

Bit harsh on Carberry, got given the horror tour of Australia to make his mark and came out of it as the 2nd leading run scorer for England.

 

[Markhor]

If only Jason Holder bowled 5-6mph quicker...

Heartbreaking to see a strapping 6ft 7 lad bowl at such pace.

 

[ExpressPacer]

If only Jason Holder bowled 5-6mph quicker...

Heartbreaking to see a strapping 6ft 7 lad bowl at such pace.

He's looking good anyway. But yeah, he would have been deadly if he was at least 10 KM's faster.

To think of it, its not impossible. He's young and so many other bowlers have increased their pace lately. Don't think the West Indies have the facilities or coaching staff available though.

 

[aloo paratha]

Which Sky Sports is televising?

 

[mak36]

Which Sky Sports is televising?

Sky sports cricket (unsurprisingly).

 

[mak36]

Cummins is being a little wayward, which is surprising given his lack of pace.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Holder is a liability. Really brings this team down.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Thoroughly enjoying this game. Cook has been class all evening.

Roach is back on and looking threatening.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Watching Kemar Roach bowl is very heartbreaking. When he initially burst onto the scene, I was almost sure this kid was the second coming of Andy Roberts. Pace - a lot of it - aggression, not afraid to challenge the batsman and good control. The way he bullied teams was so entertaining.

Now, he's a wayward, mid 80's bowler with no control.

 

[Markhor]

Lunch (a late one) and England have been going at 4 RPO.

WI seamers have bowled in some good areas but then followed it up with tripe. Alzarri Joseph struggled with line and length.

 

[Protea Fan]

Convert it this time root

 

[Robert]

Don't understand why Root since becoming captain has slipped himself down to 4 as he was their best bat at 3.

Malan needs to play his natural game rather than defending agonizingly when he's at the crease, he is a free flowing player and looks good when he plays his natural game.

Because he gets more runs at #4. England sides put their best batter at #4 traditionally. The #3 is a more specialist role in England and not many are that successful.

 

[aloo paratha]

Sky sports cricket (unsurprisingly).

Did they change it? Before there used to be numbers and it would usually come on 2. Thing is, I use streams and most websites still have them labelled as the numbers.

 

[Markhor]

Boundaries have come too easy for England, already 32 scored after only 42 overs.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I was hoping to go down on day 4 but not sure if the match will get past day 3.

 

[Robert]

I was hoping to go down on day 4 but not sure if the match will get past day 3.

Chin up [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]. England will look to bat for two days. WI will survive another day no problem.

 

[Protea Fan]

100 at a strike rate over 70

Not bad from english captain

 

[Robert]

Roooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot

 

[idrizzy]

 

[ads101]

Cook and Root yet again carrying the line up until the lower order turns up and makes some runs.

England should promote Bairstow even if gives up the gloves (which I see no harm giving them to Buttler or someone). With England's top and middle order line up frail apart from these two, bit unsure why the world's 7th best batsman is batting seven. Bat him at five or four (if Root's promoted to three but seems he's going to stay at four). Seems a bit strange, the two best batsmen come in at opener and four which is fine. But then the next two come in at 7 and 8 respectively. Just seems strange.

 

[Robert]

Coooooooooooooooooooook

 

[ExpressPacer]

Absolutely immaculate hundred by the legend that is Alistair Cook. Hilarious that there is even a question on his position in the team. He should be the first man on the darn XI. England's opening quandaries are rampant like no tomorrow and our oh so credible experts want to replace the only good batsman there is. Hilarious.

 

[ExpressPacer]

The passing of the captaincy has really benefited both players' batting it seems, massive plus for England. I've been a Cooky fan for a long time but he's never looked this relaxed before. His SR may not reflect it but he's batting like Warner out there. Aggressive but relaxed. Absolute joy to watch him play so fluently.

 

[James]

Excellent partnership, looks like a match-winner.

 

[shaz619]

Excellent hundred from Cook

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Absolutely immaculate hundred by the legend that is Alistair Cook. Hilarious that there is even a question on his position in the team. He should be the first man on the darn XI. England's opening quandaries are rampant like no tomorrow and our oh so credible experts want to replace the only good batsman there is. Hilarious.

Cook for me is best opener of last 10 years. Score tough runs more often then not.
Underrated player.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Cook for me is best opener of last 10 years. Score tough runs more often then not.
Underrated player.

No doubt about it. No one has come even close and the way he's playing at 33 years of age, I'm of the opinion that he may end up getting a good shot at the best opener of all time slot. Just needs to win another ashes, a series in India and one against Pakistan.

 

[Robert]

I hope that losing the captaincy will bring about a renaissance for him and he can rack up a few thousand more runs.

This is men against boys at present. How did this lot beat Pakistan?

 

[Markhor]

Only way I see these two getting out is from them making a mistake.

Windies attack have been toothless.

 

[James]

This pitch is a belter. Looking like a bat big and make them follow on situation. A 4 day match at the most, maybe a 3 day.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I hope that losing the captaincy will bring about a renaissance for him and he can rack up a few thousand more runs.

We're already seeing it.

This is men against boys at present. How did this lot beat Pakistan?

The same West Indies also beat a stronger English side a year or so ago, if my memory serves me correct. So lets not go down that road, my friend.

Another thing, I think it'd be criminal of you to underrate the West Indies here. England have put up a solid display of batting but you never know what happens. Only Day 1. Also, in case you weren't aware, they're missing their front line bowlers.

 

[shaz619]

I felt Cook batted better then his stats suggest vs Rabada, Morkel and Philander but taking a peak at his numbers he averaged 33 by the time the series was done

 

[shaz619]

This pitch is a belter. Looking like a bat big and make them follow on situation. A 4 day match at the most, maybe a 3 day.

England should declare and put the WI's in when it gets a bit dark

 

[shaz619]

Only way I see these two getting out is from them making a mistake.

Windies attack have been toothless.

It's a belter and the pink ball doesn't do much in the grand scheme no reverse swing or spin either (you only take wickets in the first 10 and when the lights are turned on as it gets darker), WI's have been handicapped by losing the toss which I think should be scraped for touring teams.

 

[James]

I felt Cook batted better then his stats suggest vs Rabada, Morkel and Philander but taking a peak at his numbers he averaged 33 by the time the series was done

He did contribute that fantastic innings of 80-odd which was worth its weight in gold in the context of the match. Could well have been a 2-2 drawn series without that knock.

 

[shaz619]

England are so lucky

 

[shaz619]

He did contribute that fantastic innings of 80-odd which was worth its weight in gold in the context of the match. Could well have been a 2-2 drawn series without that knock.

Yeah, that's why I said felt he did better then his numbers suggested. It's sad though because an average of 33 will not point towards that impact knock of 80 years from now when stats guru's get their calculators out

 

[HitWicket]

England should declare and put the WI's in when it gets a bit dark

Assume you're referring to tomorrow evening?

 

[Robert]

We're already seeing it.



The same West Indies also beat a stronger English side a year or so ago, if my memory serves me correct. So lets not go down that road, my friend.

Another thing, I think it'd be criminal of you to underrate the West Indies here. England have put up a solid display of batting but you never know what happens. Only Day 1. Also, in case you weren't aware, they're missing their front line bowlers.

I'll go down any road I like, thank you.

When I was a boy, WI were titans. It is so sad to see how far they have fallen.

 

[Markhor]

[MENTION=141922]ExpressPacer[/MENTION] - which WI frontline bowlers are missing ? This is it unfortunately.

[MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] - last year in Sharjah, Pakistan beat themselves. Took the foot off the gas in a dead rubber. In Barbados we collapsed on the 5th Day on a broken wicket.

Take nothing away from WI though.

 

[Last Monetarist]

This is pretty predictable regardless of it being a pink ball test. WI bowling is toothless and it's looking more and more bizarre that the selectors dropped Bishoo from the lineup. Expect a score around 500 unless the new ball hoops around as much as it did in Adelaide.

On another note, is it just me or is the pink Dukes ball more durable than the pink Kookaburra which tended to get bent out of shape around the 50 over mark? It won't be a surprise if it is.

 

[James]

Lots of showers forecast for tomorrow. So a slightly increased chance of West Indies sneaking a draw.

 

[ExpressPacer]

[MENTION=141922]ExpressPacer[/MENTION] - which WI frontline bowlers are missing ? This is it unfortunately.

[MENTION=7774]Robert[/MENTION] - last year in Sharjah, Pakistan beat themselves. Took the foot off the gas in a dead rubber. In Barbados we collapsed on the 5th Day on a broken wicket.

Take nothing away from WI though.

Shannon Gabriel is easily their best bowler. Of course, he's not amazing but I'm sure he'd be the first person you'd pick out of Roach, Cummins and Holder.

And Bishoo has had a lot of success recently and has been instrumental in their wins. Their wins have been so few and far that it doesn't reflect however this is the case.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I'll go down any road I like, thank you.

When I was a boy, WI were titans. It is so sad to see how far they have fallen.

You have the liberty to say whatever you want but at least be aware of what stands in own alley before pointing fingers at others.

Nonetheless, I agree. It is sad but I expect them to come back - maybe not stronger but rise regardless.

 

[shaz619]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cops and robbers in the Hollies Stand! &#55357;&#56430;<br><br>Match centre: <a href="https://t.co/TLV5vcIC9X">https://t.co/TLV5vcIC9X</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvWI?src=hash">#ENGvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/CW9wAaW6Ce">pic.twitter.com/CW9wAaW6Ce</a></p>— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/898231133472796672">17 August 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Update on the chase. The tables have turned! <a href="https://t.co/dv5Ch7OP6y">pic.twitter.com/dv5Ch7OP6y</a></p>— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/898256530700554240">17 August 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Fellow Bears making this dreadful Test watchable

 

[Leo23]

cook is a merely a good opener

the talk of him being a legend is funny

 

[shaz619]

cook is a merely a good opener

the talk of him being a legend is funny

Indians quaking in their boots don't your worry, that record will belong to Cook soon.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Chin up [MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION]. England will look to bat for two days. WI will survive another day no problem.

You may be right Robert

Great innings by Root and Cook.

600+ could be on the cards here.