WI tour of England, July 8-28

[Arthur Crabtree]

Supposed to be bad weather coming though. Shouldn't be much play tomorrow.

[alfie]

Have heard a lot of dire warnings about the weather (not surprising - it is Manchester ) but the forecast I last consulted was sort of 45-50% chance of rain - and "showers " ...so I suppose it is just possible they will get a bit of play in ? Covers are good these days.

Seems clear there will be a fair bit of time lost anyway (Monday looks a bit dodgy , no ?) so best England get on with it when they get back out there . Fancy West Indies are already looking towards the draw that will keep them the newly named trophy so Root's lads might need to take a risk or two ; though I don't think it will be too much of a risk as the tourist's bowling resources look more or less shot. How well their batting stands up we will see : I'd prefer to get at it as soon as possible...

[mikesiva]

I think this is still the Wisden trophy. The next series will be for the Richards Botham trophy.

[alfie]

I think this is still the Wisden trophy. The next series will be for the Richards Botham trophy.

Ah. Thanks Mike.

How do you like the name change ? I'm unsure myself : both great players , and mates. But while Viv starred enough against England , IB really didn't have a great record against West Indies . Maybe doesn't matter as his overall career was so good ; but just seems a bit peculiar to me...

[alfie]

Starting on time !

Some blue sky even...

[mikesiva]

I think this is still the Wisden trophy. The next series will be for the Richards Botham trophy.

Ah. Thanks Mike.

How do you like the name change ? I'm unsure myself : both great players , and mates. But while Viv starred enough against England , IB really didn't have a great record against West Indies . Maybe doesn't matter as his overall career was so good ; but just seems a bit peculiar to me...

I love the name change! Two great players, and though Botham didn't do well against the West Indies, he was much admired and respected by Caribbean fans.

Never was too keen on the name "Wisden" for the trophy, to be honest.

Gabriel gets the edge of Pope's bat, dropped by Cornwall!

Next over, Gabriel bowls Pope for 91....

Roach bowls Woakes for one!

Gabriel again! Buttler out for 67.

Another low catch by Holder. This time to Roach. Archer out for three.

[Durhamfootman]

England losing 4 wickets for 18 runs?

surely not?

I'm no statistician, but I'll bet that almost never happens

[Durhamfootman]

well, more than once in every match, that is

[alfie]

Lively first hour !

Always possible with this long tail , once Pope fell. West Indies back in the game : and given the weather outlook , perhaps a good thing for both teams as it really moves the game on...

Broad raises the 300

[Durhamfootman]

Broad not leaving anything in the dressing room, seemingly

swing away, lad, swing away

[alfie]

Broad not leaving anything in the dressing room, seemingly

swing away, lad, swing away

Always fun to watch...

They've not bowled well to him. Overdone the short rubbish. Useful runs...that 350 might be on yet...

[mikesiva]

Chase strikes! Broad out for a swashbuckling 62.

England 369 all out

Roach 4-72
Gabriel 2-77
Chase 2-36

[alfie]

All out eventually ...369 as the last pair added a few more to further frustrate West Indies...

I guess after 258/4 overnight this represents a come back of sorts ; but Holder & co will be disappointed after that spectacular early success not to be chasing at least forty less. Lack of a fourth pace option has cost them in this game.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Lack of a fourth pace option has cost them in this game.

That's often likely after one innings. It might be different after four.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Campbell out. But more runs than expected.