The start of the English Cricket season has been devastated by rain, with almost every round of the LV County Championship affected to some extent. Throughout the country games at school, club, and county level have been hit, as a wet April and May has highlighted the issues of playing cricket so early in the English Summer.
Today England’s international campaign for the summer got underway, and Stuart Broad’s six-wicket haul enabled the home side to enjoy a good first day against the West Indies. Weather permitting this is a big summer for the national side, who will look to preserve their status as World Number 1, and impress after their disappointing winter tours of the Subcontinent.
First up they face a three match test series against the West Indies, followed by one day internationals against West Indies and then Australia. All of that will then be followed by the major event, as South Africa come to town, potentially posing the biggest threat to England’s place at the top of the world rankings.
Armed with a potent bowling attack containing pace in abundance from Steyn and Morkel, and a strong batting line up, they are undoubtedly one of the top teams. They will also be aided by the fact that their play will be more suited to English surfaces, than most other touring parties. England will have to be at their best to ward off the threat.
The West Indies come first though, and nothing must be taken for granted, against a team which could spring a surprise. By no means is this one of the great West Indian sides, in fact it is on paper fairly poor, but still there is talent. Shivnarine Chanderpaul still remains one of the top batsmen in world cricket and always seems to flourish againstEngland. Today he proved that once more, hitting an unbeaten 87 to hold his side’s innings together.
In addition there are some talented players developing such as batsmen Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo, and fast bowler Kemar Roach. Under Darren Sammy’s leadership they are showing signs of improvement, but England should still record a comfortable series victory. The Caribbean outfit are greatly hindered by the absence of stars such as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Keiron Pollard and Ramnaresh Sarwan. The first three are plying their trade in the IPL, whilst the latter is busy scoring numerous runs for Leicestershire in theCountyChampionship.
The first day showed encouraging signs for the West Indies. Opener Adrian Barath battled hard before falling just after lunch, and Darren Bravo batted nicely until he was run out by Ian Bell, whilst there were useful innings from Marlon Samuels and of course the linchpin of the side Chanderpaul. The England bowlers plugged away hard at Lords, generally restricting the scoring, with Anderson bowling especially well picking up two early wickets. Eventually Stuart Broad reaped the rewards, recording figures of 6-72, leaving the West Indies closing on 243-9.
England hold the advantage, and tomorrow they will look to wrap up the innings quickly before asserting themselves with a dominant batting display. Andrew Strauss is in desperate need of a big innings, and it will be interesting to see how debutant Jonny Bairstow fairs, making the step up to the international scene. His form is excellent, and in the few ODIs he has played he has shown a good mentality to go with the evident ability, which will stand him in good stead for the rigours of Test Cricket.
Even though there are no Ashes, it’s still a massive summer of cricket forEngland, as they look to strengthen their position at the top of the rankings. The next few months will be full of action, both on the international scene and domestically, as long as the weather doesn’t have a major say.