Second Test – assessed
Like the Wisden trophy which has gone to a decider there is much to be resolved in England’s performance.
The media storm accompanying Stuart Broad’s omission in the first Test did not abate with his bowling spell to break the Windies in their first innings.
In an excellent article in yesterday’s Telegraph Scyld Berry deconstructed the Broad myth. Yes, he did take a lot of wickets in South Africa but mainly against tailenders. 366 of his Test wickets have been taken with the Duke’s ball in England.
In another article in the same paper Tim Wigmore heralded the underrated Chris Woakes who has got to 100 Test wickets and 1000 runs quicker than Gary Sobers.
Sadly, though both Chris Woakes and Sam Curran – who also made a significant contribution – are likely to be omitted for the third Test beginning Friday.
Then there is Josh Buttler’s lack of runs. If this continues surely the selectors must consider Ben Foakes, a better keeper who scored a century in Sri Lanka.
If Woakes and Curran don’t play and Moeen Ali won’t, England don’t have a number eight, a key position which Jason Holder occupies with some aplomb.
Talking of all rounders, I considered with a cricket aficionado Botham v Stokes.
We thought Stokes was now the better player, fitter, more driven and a match winner.
I remember going down to breakfast at 7.00am at the Bombay Trident where England were staying in 2017 to pass Ben Stokes en route to the gym.
Apparently he had been given 9/10 in a performance assessment in every department but only 8/10 for his fitness which had sent him on his mission to the gym.
Have the Windies resurrected themselves as a Test side?
I think not.
Shia Hope and John Campbell are off form with the bat and they do not look a side that can score 400.
This would be my eleven for the Ashes: Burns, Sibley, Crawley, Root, Pope , Stokes, Foakes, Curran, Bess, Archer and Wood.
I would take Olly Stone in preference to Anderson or Broad, Leach as second spinner, Dam Lawrence as young batter, Buttler, Woakes and James Bracey.
