Sofia Westaby at Edgbaston
The crowds returned to Edgbaston, bringing with them cold but dry weather and a sense of anticipation, England would have expected to take more than just the wicket of Powell in the morning session, having put the West Indies into bat. Instead the West Indies remained commendably disciplined, never being drawn into playing wild shots and fully utilising well timed drives, sending the ground into raptous song by the 16th over.
Graham Onions, returning to the side after a two year absence from home Test matches plagued with injury, fell victim to Ian Bell's buttery fingers, twice having a simple slip catch being dropped. Bell, incidentally, stood in the foot holes of Anderson at third slip, a cruel reminder of the safe hands usually there.
Bresnan and Onions pulled the game back into England's control with a sucession of wickets after lunch, leaving the West Indies 164-5 at tea. The game offered up little hope that either team will get a result, with both chipping away at one another, England not taking all 10 wickets in the day and the West Indies total is not sufficient for a three day game, ending at 280-8 after 98 overs.
Despite the stalemate, the contest for the third seamer position continues to add extra dimensions, pace man Finn worked tirelessly to get bounce from the pitch and was rewarded with two wickets. The place is likely to stay with Bresnan, but rotation would be a sensible consideration particularly for overseas trips, where the flat wickets will suit Finn's bowling. Of course Chris Tremlett needs also to be added to the mix, as he begins to return from injury. Anderson and Broad left big shoes to fill and whilst this new look attack can be deployed here, the dimensions added to the side, both in bowling and fielding, by the missing duo are essential for success, regardless of what Onions and Finn bring to the table.
The crowds returned to Edgbaston, bringing with them cold but dry weather and a sense of anticipation, England would have expected to take more than just the wicket of Powell in the morning session, having put the West Indies into bat. Instead the West Indies remained commendably disciplined, never being drawn into playing wild shots and fully utilising well timed drives, sending the ground into raptous song by the 16th over.
Graham Onions, returning to the side after a two year absence from home Test matches plagued with injury, fell victim to Ian Bell's buttery fingers, twice having a simple slip catch being dropped. Bell, incidentally, stood in the foot holes of Anderson at third slip, a cruel reminder of the safe hands usually there.
Bresnan and Onions pulled the game back into England's control with a sucession of wickets after lunch, leaving the West Indies 164-5 at tea. The game offered up little hope that either team will get a result, with both chipping away at one another, England not taking all 10 wickets in the day and the West Indies total is not sufficient for a three day game, ending at 280-8 after 98 overs.
Despite the stalemate, the contest for the third seamer position continues to add extra dimensions, pace man Finn worked tirelessly to get bounce from the pitch and was rewarded with two wickets. The place is likely to stay with Bresnan, but rotation would be a sensible consideration particularly for overseas trips, where the flat wickets will suit Finn's bowling. Of course Chris Tremlett needs also to be added to the mix, as he begins to return from injury. Anderson and Broad left big shoes to fill and whilst this new look attack can be deployed here, the dimensions added to the side, both in bowling and fielding, by the missing duo are essential for success, regardless of what Onions and Finn bring to the table.
Yay! First comment :D Well, honestly I didn't understand much of it, but having not watched the match, nor being a big fan of cricket and all the lingo I'm not surprised. BUT really well written, you're well on your way to becoming a journalista :) And I'm just happy there's someone called Onions :P
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