comment by Arsenal_49 (U10665)
posted 8 hours, 36 minutes ago
Woakes should have came in for one of the batsmen instead, Stokes, Bairstow and Mooen can all then move one position up. No disrespect to the West Indies but it's not as if England are really going to need another batsmen against them now is it. None of West Indies senior players will play in the test series so I would be very surprised if they challenge England.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The reason is that Woakes has just returned but if he comes into a side with Broad, Anderson, Roland-Jones, Stokes and Ali then it doesn't matter if he can't bowl 15-20 overs in a day.

West Indies still use their best bowlers who can cause England a few problems. It's the batsmen who they're missing out on which means they're unlikely to be able to capitalise even if they can bowl England out cheaply.

Toss won, batting first. Could have been a bit more interesting if they had batted first.

As expected, Crane and Woakes miss out. Over to Cook and all eyes on Stoneman.

Oh...

Well he lasted 6 balls. That won't ease the pressure on him even though he did hit a couple of boundaries. Over to Westley.

that was a beauty tho

Gabrial is a huge blow for WI.

England new boys at it again

comment by Phenom (U20037)
posted 18 minutes ago
that was a beauty tho
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No doubt, it was a good ball and Roach is a decent bowler too so it was never going to be an easy start. Definitely a better ball than the one that got Jennings anyhow. Compton recently wrote a piece and said that anyone who comes in now needs to be honest with themselves and even if they get a beauty, think about how to counter it rather than thinking, oh well, a beauty is always going to get me out.

Westley gone to an overturned LBW playing across the line. Disappointing way to get out, especially to Holder who's not quick by any stretch.

comment by (Kash) I'm the Mané, I'm the Mané - Justice4Gaza (U1108)
posted 4 minutes ago
England new boys at it again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Think Stoneman and Westley will come good but this gives Windies a chance to get Root out with the pink ball still moving.

Boundaries are flowing for England. Stoneman and Westley both hit 2 each before both departing for 8. Root has hit 5 in his 26 and Cook 9 in his 43. 18 boundaries by the 22nd over in the first (morning) session of a test match is pretty poor. Not a lot of running has been done today that's for sure.

Poor by the West Indies anyway. England will be delighted considering the first 30 overs are meant to be the most tricky to navigate with the pink ball. Although it's meant to get more difficult to score when the shine comes off the ball as it doesn't come off the bat as well.

I agree re Stoneman and Westley. Although Malan is a T20 player.

Im usually against playing too many all rounders but england really are struggling for batsmen, therefore they should play Stokes as a batsman as he is one of the best in the team.

Cook, Stoneman, Westley, Root, Stokes, Bairstow, Ali, Woakes, TRJ, Broad, Anderson

Rooooooooot

comment by (Kash) I'm the Mané, I'm the ... (U1108)
posted 4 hours, 12 minutes ago
England new boys at it again
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ffs....Root & Cook again then....I still maintain Root should open

if malan doesn't ,make it. I would move Westly down to 5.

Just tuned in....the pink ball is very visible

comment by Liverpoolwhoelse17 (U16825)
posted 3 minutes ago
if malan doesn't ,make it. I would move Westly down to 5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What gives you the impression westly will make it

Pitiful bowling

Pretty poor from the Windies it has to be said, lifeless in the field.

That cladding on the outside of Edgbaston...ugly as feck

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 0 seconds ago
That cladding on the outside of Edgbaston...ugly as feck
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Really awful...someone wants to be answering for that mess

comment by Neo (U9135)
posted 3 minutes ago
Pretty poor from the Windies it has to be said, lifeless in the field.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
They have no interest in tests do they

Seem to be waiting for a decleration already

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted 51 minutes ago
Just tuned in....the pink ball is very visible
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not so much from the stands. Everybody complaining

Tbh it's been a boring day of cricket, Windies don't look bothered. Crowd getting going now though.