If England thought their Caribbean tour was going to be a holiday, they were given a rude awakening by the West Indies in Barbados.
New coach Richard Pybus hasn’t been everyone in the Windies set-up’s cup of tea, but started his tenure with an emphatic win.
West Indies vs England | 31 January – 4 February | Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
To Win Match
West Indies 24/10
Draw 13/2
England 11/20
West Indies
Jason Holder was immense in the first Test, cementing his credentials as a true all-rounder with perhaps the most memorable Test double-century since Ben Stokes battered the Proteas at Newlands three years ago.
The Windies all-rounders made a big impression in Barbados, after Roston Chase broke down the English resistance to secure the victory set up by Holder’s heroics.
Kemar Roach briefly seemed to have bottled lightning on a Barbados pitch that was otherwise lifeless in the first England innings of the first Test – and the paceman is likely to pose the biggest threat to the visitors’ fragile top order.
Ahead of the series, England had looked good up against what was expected to be another disrupted and ‘rebuilding’ West Indies team, but they were a match for the tourists in Barbados – and will head to Antigua full of confidence.
England
Being rolled over for 77 in the first innings of a Test isn’t the best way to start a series abroad – and Joe Root’s men have found themselves under the pump on the field and in the media.
The West Indies summed up conditions far quicker than England, who failed to bat out 90 overs in either innings. England should be reasonably confident of improving their performance in Antigua, but will need something of substance from multiple members of their top order.
England’s bowlers enjoyed good periods in Barbados, but they ran out of ideas against Holder in the second innings – and will need to start the second Test well to get back on top of the hosts’ batsmen.
Ben Foakes’ role as a specialist wicketkeeper is in focus, given that England may need to sacrifice an all-rounder to bring Stuart Broad back into the attack.
Verdict: West Indies 24/10
The hosts have England on the ropes away from home – and should close out the series unless the weather intervenes.
