Obsession with bowling first & Little faith in reserve players

Recent Match Report – England vs West Indies 1st Test 2020 | WSA NEWS


With the exception of Rahkeem Cornwall, West Indies went with the same side.  West Indies have shown little faith in the reserve batsmen in the squad. Shai Hope and John Campbell were given another chance and they are under pressure to deliver. Gabriel had to leave the field early in the morning but he did return to bowl. However, he looked tired and seemed to grimace after every ball. He appeared to be experiencing some pain that he is trying to play through. While that is admirable, maybe a fresh bowler could have been given a chance.

West Indies has an obsession with bowling first. Yet again, Jason Holder decided to bowl first giving England the first opportunity to bat on the pitch. Yes, it looked a bit overcast in the morning. However, the pitch is a decent batting pitch and Butler and Pope batted quite comfortably on it to leave England well placed at 258 for 4. If West Indies had batted first, it would have given their bowlers, especially Gabriel that looked laboured an extra day to recover. Bowling first may also suggest that Holder is not confident enough in his batsmen to negotiate the new-ball in overcast conditions. However, how long can Holder shield his batsmen? They have to deliver if West Indies is to have any chance of salvaging anything from this match. The inclusion of Archer in the England team is going to be a major hurdle to overcome because he has a point to prove after bursting his bio-secure bubble and was left out of the second test. 

The heavens offered rain in the second test and West Indies did not make good use of it.  West Indies will need help from above again to retain the Wisden Trophy. 


Correspondent

C.W.Forrest

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