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Of course, there is context: a rigged system in which the game’s biggest powers make the most money and play the most matches, the longest serieseseses reserved solely for when they meet each other. What we saw at Lord’s reflected that.
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In fairness to West Indies, they bowled well in parts, and who knows how a bit of scoreboard pressure might’ve helped them. But it’s England’s Jimmyless attack we arrive at Trent Bridge excited to see, given the two quicks, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, who’ll be taking the new ball, with Ben Stokes, pace back and wobble-ball installed, also looking tasty; who knows, Shoaib Bashir may even get a bowl.
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The thing is, this thing of ours has a habit of surprising us – just ask Australia. In recent times we’ve seen Chris Gayle, Shai Hope and Jason Holder all perform superhuman feats against England, and with the talent West Indies have, that possibility must never be discounted – it just shouldn’t be a necessity. But here we are so here we are, which is to say that all we can do is make sure to enjoy whatever it is we get, because even an untesting Test match is better than anything else the world has to offer us. Go well!
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Play: 11am BST
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Important Events
Stuart Broad’s mum has been to C&A and he’s wearing a blazer again. On the other hand, he says that at Trent Bridge the surface is always consistent and it’s easier to get into a rhythm. And the length is key. He needs to hit it fuller. Bob Willis has advised him to aim for the sponsors’ logos rather than the top of the off-road.
Apart from that, he was content to get the batsmen going on this track, as that was the aim. “If you have the length, you can do anything,” he concluded, pointing out that very different bowlers in Vernon Philander and Jasprit Bumrah had both enjoyed success at Nottingham.
Oh, he really does like it, doesn’t he?
It’s continuing again…
The weather is nice in Nottingham. And given the pitches here, I wonder whether England’s pacemen are suited – too often slow seamers who fit the traditional mold – or maybe Branderson is just a miracle of nature who can make any type of track look bespoke.
Mark Wood is in good form, who knew? “He said he hasn’t bowled much recently and will be sore tonight but is looking forward to it. He hopes he’s not expected to bowl like Jimmy and is happy to be in the dressing room with Stuart Broad as well. He wouldn’t want to collapse while bowling but thinks cuts and bruises make him look a bit stronger.”
preamble
We often hear the saying “it’s called a Test match for a reason”. Well, by any standards last week was not a Test match for England. The West Indies were competitive in the moments but had little presence throughout the match and there is a fear that we may see more of the same in the future. Five For a few days and then again at Edgbaston next week.
Of course, there’s a context to it all: a rigged system in which the biggest forces in the game make the most money, play the most games and ensure the longest series are only reserved for them when they play against each other. What we saw at Lord’s reflected that.
In fairness, West Indies pitched well in parts and who knows how a little more pressure on the scoreboard might have helped them. But what we’re looking forward to seeing when we arrive at Trent Bridge is a Jimmy-less England attack. Two fast bowlers with the new ball, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes with his pace back and wobble ball are also attractive. Maybe Shoaib Bashir will bowl.
The thing is, our game has a tendency to surprise us. Just ask Australia. We’ve seen Chris Gayle, Shay Hope and Jason Holder perform superhuman feats against England recently. Given the talent in West Indies, the possibility should never be discounted. It’s not essential. But we’re here, so all we can do is enjoy whatever game we get, because even a boring Test match is better than anything the world can give us. Go for it!
Play time: 11am BST
