England Spineless, but celebrate a great performance

Even as an England fan it would be pretty churlish to begrudge the West Indies sensational victory yesterday. Coming from a generation founded in West Indian world domination I fully subscribe to the notion that cricket needs a strong Windies team to bring a unique flavour and atmosphere to the game.

Whilst it might not be a full blown renaissance just yet, I hope this result leads to improved attendances and passion for the remainder of the series. Best of all, the rout was inspired by a genuinely masterful spell of traditional West Indian fast bowling, full, quick, accurate and skilful - Taylor lived up the past exploits of Marshall, Ambrose, Holding et al. Whilst it’s all well and good having a 6 foot 7” West Indian bowling off spin of all things, there’s nothing like a Caribbean quickie with his tail up.

On the question of where this humiliation leaves England it might not be all bad. Such was the abject nature of the performance there can simply be no question of just retaining the status quo. Maybe this is just what we need to facilitate a proper shake up of personnel and attitude.
The game was up as soon as Pietersen’s off stump was sent spiralling towards the boundary edge by Taylor, with the rest of this timid, insipid batting line up offering nothing. I’ll happily join the bandwagon clambering for Bell’s exclusion. If not now, then never. Finally we’ll see Owais Shah in for the next test in what I expect will be the only change to the batting order given the squad that Strauss has to pick from. Shah at least will bring a bit of bite and personality to the line up, although he might not be the natural number three that we need long term.

So the rest will probably get another chance to right the wrong from Sabina Park, although Collingwood will have to consider himself very lucky that there’s no-one else in the tour party to take his place. On the verge of being dropped, expect another ugly, gritty innings to cement his place in the side again for another five games!

The worst thing about the performance was the attitude of top line batsmen, who never looked to have any confidence, authority or presence at the crease. The ball wasn’t bouncing alarmingly, or threatening the batsmen physically making the gutless performance all the more alarming. New captain Andrew Strauss has a huge challenge on his hands to lead a turnaround in attitude before the second test. And he must start with his own form.

The bowlers can’t take so much of the blame, although Panesar will find himself under pressure again having been comprehensively out bowled by Benn and Swann may come into the side to bolster the lower order batting as well. For me Harmison gets one final (absolutely final) chance to prove he can resurrect his international career.