England

West Indies v England, second Test, day one – anger and amazement

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It’s been a long time since we reduced the broad spectrum of human emotion down to either anger or amazement. Let’s bring back that flawless rating system to assess various aspects of day one of the second Test.

Angry

England’s bowling attack. We’re perfectly happy about the return of Bowling Ali, but there’s still a homogeneity about England’s other four bowlers. Their sameness allowed them all to be equally unproductive on a flat pitch in the first Test, but far more importantly than that, it’s really, really boring to watch. Sometimes you need something different to look forward to, even if it ultimately turns out to be crap.

Amazed

The in-swinger from James Anderson’s which could only ever be described as ‘booming’. Huge swing and busted stumps. Cricket doesn’t get much better than that.

Jonathan Trott getting an over. Hurray! Something different.

There was definitely a third thing as well. We forget what it was now.

OH NO!

Roelof van der Merwe just heard you haven't yet signed up for the King Cricket email...

...so he's on his way to see you!

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14 comments

  3. Samuels: “It’s obvious the English boys don’t learn because whenever they talk to me I continue scoring runs. But they keep on talking. I guess they can’t help it.
    “It all depends on how tomorrow goes – Marlon Samuels 150, Ben Stokes with the ball in his hand. It will be very interesting.
    “He keeps talking to me but it keeps me motivated and keeps me batting.”

  4. Ben Stokes looked like a real test quality bowler yesterday. It was the first time I really sensed that.

    It reminded me of a breakthrough period – around 2004 I think it was, when I realised that Freddie was more than just a flash batsman who can bowl a bit; he had the potential to be a genuine test match force as an all-rounder.

    Hoping that Ben Stokes will be more consistent. Also hope that Stokes keeps away from pedalos and locker doors for the foreseeable future.

  5. Bit disappointed that ‘Bowling Ali’ didn’t get at least an eye roll from one of you…

    3. Genius.

      Cook is on for a big one in this innings. You heard it here first, unless you heard it somewhere else earlier, in which case great minds think alike.

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