The DJ had the nerve to play ‘Rally Round The West Indies’ ahead of the last over before lunch on the final day of the second Test match. By then, the English bowlers had gobbled up six West Indies wickets. All credit to them, of course. Spectators would have been thinking that no amount of rallying was going to bring the team back into a position to draw the game. Where is the rain that visited the Grenada National Cricket Stadium often on days 1 and 2, they wondered? The sun answered by shining even brighter!

At the post-match press conferences after day 4, both century makers Joe Root and Kraigg Brathwaite had said that the first hour would be very important for their respective teams. It was indeed. It showed England that they could take the fight to the opposition and work them out on a pitck which was still playing well. On the other hand, it could have had Captain Denesh Ramdin asking “is West Indies ready?” what with the team going to lunch on 286 for 8. Six wickets lost in two hours.  

Author’s note: I stopped writing at lunch time, unable to predict the future.  Yes, while the sun shines, there was hope.

During the Lunch interval, would Ramdin have asked his team if they were ready? Ready to defend the target of 143 they had set England to reach in 47 overs? Ready to dispel their reputation as ‘bits and pieces’ cricketers in the eye of the fans?  Did he issue a clarion call to his troops?

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Based on Day 1, I'd say they ARE ready. When they start to bat tomorrow after Lunch, we shall see for sure.

In reply to Yamfoot

The problem I have with this statement is if the pitch has something for the bowlers, invariably the opponents usually exploit it better than us.

Our quicks this match: Taylor, Gabriel, Holder

Their quicks: Anderson, Broad, Jordon, Stokes

Which set of bowlers do you expect to bowl a better line and length, with less extras, for longer periods of time, more disciplined ?

In reply to LBW375

You took the thoughts I had in my head when it was said in the press conference.

But let's see how they do once we bowl them out cheaply and are all fired up to go out there and pile on the runs.

In reply to Yamfoot

At 240/7, expect the tail to go all out, bashing it to 300 and beyond. We have to get them out quickly, and then bat on pass whatever score they make and put up a substantial lead, or else we going down 2-0