England vs West Indies, Third Test, Day 2

Sofia Westaby at Edgbaston 

The most action the day two square at Edgbaston has been subject to is the periodic rolling and unrolling of the covers, offering momentary glimmers of hope that some cricket might be on its way, but alas the umbrellas stayed up. With the rain easing over night, a small window for cricket is likely today, offering up an exciting battle between scoring quickly and getting the all important wickets. No wonder the top order batsmen braved the short trip across the ever growing puddles accumulating on the outfield towards the to the indoor nets. 

The dominance of the West Indian batsmen in the net session before lunch reflected the desperate hope to overcome the problems of Lord's and Trent Bridge where the top order collapse easily and the lower order is unable to stick around and support the likes of Chanderpaul, Samuels and Sammy. Powell set up camp in lane 3 fully focused and intent on facing everything the bowling machine could offer, cutting and driving balls away, much to the delight of the small number of ticket holders sheltering from the stormy conditions. Powell will be conscious of the need to perform, having only past double figures once on this tour. 

Perhaps an even more telling sign of the West Indies desperation to support their middle order was Tino Best's in depth coaching session from Toby Raford, who halted Best between balls, readjusting his head and back foot positioning, surely on what is supposed to day 2, it is to late to be adjusting fundamental balance, positioning and movement? Best will be wanting to put his best foot forward, having been left out of the West Indies side who played at Edgbaston in 2004 and not having had a Test call up since 2009. He will be very aware that a damp Edgbaston pitch is not ideal for a pace bowler, and must make his mark else where.

In stark contrast to the West Indies, opener Alastair Cook looked comfortable and calm whilst working repeatedly on his sweep shot so as to direct the ball forcefully down to the fine leg boundary. Jonny Bairstow is the only England batsman who will feel he has something to prove, hiding the nerves below a confident exterior. This maybe being described as 'dead Test', but both sides still feel they have things to prove, here's hoping the weather will let up and the battle will unfold.