English Cricket is Back!!

By Luke Wilkins on Feb 18, 09 07:36 PM

Yes after being bowled out for .....................well let's not mention that *coughs* 51........................and then having a game cancelled on us after just ten balls, the English cricket team have rediscovered how to play in the hastily arranged 3rd test in Antigua.
Strauss sweeps gayle for 4 on day one
We put on 500 in the first innings, bowled the Windies out for under 300, and have now set a target for 503 to win, and not only that, but we have seen some awesome performances from under fire and new players alike. Strauss's ton in the first innings was immense, and more importantly for him he actually looked not just comfortable but in good touch, at one point I swear I almost saw him move his feet too!

Then Collingwood came in, and I cant tell you how much I love this guy, as when he is up for a battle he is immense, although to be fair sometimes he can be more scratchy than a leper with fleas, but with able support from Shah (looking much more comfortable at this level than Bell.....sorry Warwickshire fans), Pietersen, Prior and Broad, we did exactly what was needed.
Swann got his maiden Michelle.jpg
Enter stage right Graeme Swann who in only his third test match managed to do all sorts and snaffled his first Michelle (Pfeiffer....Five for....) with some awesome bowling that Panesar would do well to watch. There is no doubt Panesar is the more natural of the two spinners, but while Swann went back to the county stage to hone his skill and learn some variations, Panesar seems to have stagnated, and maybe a spell in county cricket would suit him, either that or the new spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed will hopefully sort him out.
Chanderpaul is key to the Windies chase
So will the Windies hit 503 to win? On a pitch that is deteriorating heavily as the Test goes on, it's not looking likely, and if we can get Chanderpaul cheaply the series should be levelled then it will be our players who will have a spring in their step moving on to the next match!

Right - I am off to DJ at Gatecrasher till 3am like I do every Wednesday, and then rest my weary bones after stacking it big time at the Tamworth Snowdome last night, Ill right your preview to all the weekends big sporting action on Friday - until Muchacho's!