First Test: West Indies v England, Antigua, April 13-17.

[Aidan11]

I want to be outraged but it's typical England.

[Aidan11]

Actually I'm going to be outraged anyway.

[shankycricket]

100 run lead too much to concede on a deteriorating pitch tbh. If WI had got a 50 more, this could've been really interesting. Thought Blackwood was very ordinary at shepherding the tail. England still firmly in the box seat despite the collapse.

[hopeforthebest]

I often expect a run out but mostly when Root is batting.

[shankycricket]

Ballance scored a hundred in a similar situation against Sri Lanka in the 2nd innings at Lord's last year. Maybe he will come good again.

[Aidan11]

As long as Cook doesn't waste time in declaring to accommodate him.

[backfootpunch]

Ballance scored a hundred in a similar situation against Sri Lanka in the 2nd innings at Lord's last year. Maybe he will come good again.

theres only 2 days left, not sure ballance has enough time to score a hundred

he looks horrifically out of form

the selectors really messed him up picking him in ODIs when everyone knew he had no place in that team

[Gingerfinch]

If we do manage to bat till tea, he'll have enough time. That's if he can stay there of course.

[shankycricket]

Ballance scored a hundred in a similar situation against Sri Lanka in the 2nd innings at Lord's last year. Maybe he will come good again.

theres only 2 days left, not sure ballance has enough time to score a hundred

he looks horrifically out of form

the selectors really messed him up picking him in ODIs when everyone knew he had no place in that team

I just think he is very limited tbh. He had these phases against India too where he couldn't score a run and rotate the strike but the Indian bowlers were generous enough to offer consistent freebies. West Indies might too, as they are not renowned for bowling consistently over a long period of time. But I'd be pleasantly surprised if he manages anything against NZ and Australia in the summer - they'll be relentless. Think his technique is ripe for being torn apart by Boult and Harris.

[Gingerfinch]

Ballance looking ok now.

[Making_Splinters]

After an early wobble England back in the driving seat. The West Indies need another before the close.

With out getting too far ahead of ourselves, how much time to England need to bowl the Windies out?

[Making_Splinters]

Benn and Tredwell, Test match spin bowling has certainly seen better days.

[Arthur Crabtree]

If they don't get bowled out, i think they'll declare about 40m before tea.

[Aidan11]

Nearly 200 lead with only 3 down.


Plenty of time to get another 100. It will be difficult for WIs from here.

[Gingerfinch]

20 minutes before tea, or would they take an early tea?