Apparently the ECB will step up their attempts to appoint Paul Downton’s successor this week. They’ve yet to reveal the job description, but most pundits expect it to be a narrower role than the one Downton screwed up so badly. Instead of managing a bit of this and a bit of that – or mismanaging in Downton’s case – the new man will focus exclusively on the Alastair Cook’s XI. The ECB will give the job a fancy name, but the role is essentially going to be...
There’s Only One Jimmy Anderson
As England toiled in Antigua yesterday, my heart was bleeding for Jimmy Anderson. He’s very much a team man, and the result put something of a damper on his record breaking moment. But when Jimmy reflects on the last five days – and puts his achievements in perspective – he should be an extremely happy and contented man. Yesterday was just one test match out of the 100 he’s played. The result doesn’t matter in the scheme of things; Jimmy is now England’s record test wicket taker. And it’s...
Day Five in Antigua
Before this tour began, most people thought we’d beat the West Indies comprehensively. Colin Graves said he expected as much, and questions would be asked if we failed to do so. Well, the first test has been played, and the bottom line is that England did not win. That is the only statistic that matters. We might have dominated proceedings, but a miss is as good as a mile. In fairness to England, the pitch made it bloody difficult. I’ve seen more life in an Egyptian mummy. But ask yourself...
Day 4 in Antigua
Another good day for England. We accelerated well in the morning and managed to take two valuable wickets before the close. I’ll be amazed if the Windies escape with a draw today. You see, we can be positive on this blog from time to time! The main talking points were Gary Ballances hundred – didn’t he do well – and possibly the timing of Cook’s declaration. I think the skipper timed things about right. Many of us jump on our captain’s mistakes, so it’s...
Cook Should Stop Playing Up and Focus On Upping His Game
His failure in the second innings at Antigua has heaped even more pressure on our beleaguered captain Alastair Cook. Regular TFT contributor Tregaskis takes a look at why Cook has become a lightning rod for so much criticism – not just for his own performances, but the blunders of the ECB in general. It is a provocative piece that explores the very concept of Englishness itself, and attempts to locate Cook’s predicament within this broader context. If you have a different take on...
Day Three in Antigua
England should win this game comfortably now. Our lead of 220 is a commanding one, and I severely doubt the Windies will be able to chase anything over 300 – even if Chanderpaul plays a blinder. It got a little nervy at one point, when a fine opening spell by Jerome Taylor reduced us to 20-2, and Ian Bell was catastrophically run out, but Root came to the rescue. Gary Ballance also battled hard, and eventually looked more settled. I really hope he scores big runs today. If we can survive...
