THE better bowling attack won the first Test. Given a track friendly for fast bowling, the difference-maker was Head’s lone century. Pace wasn’t an issue: mostly line and length took wickets. Impatience was our downfall. Experience wasn’t the problem either, they all know that. T20 didn’t create this. None of those players are T20 obsessed. Brathwaite and Chanderpaul have got to have a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror: they’ve got to get their bodies behind the ball or else leave it!

There are three slips and a gully; the probability of getting an edge when you play square or using the pace is higher. Joshua Da Silva, you know you’re struggling to get over the short ball; duck and let it go! England are no different to these lot; why do we turn up against them and not Australia? Kirk McKenzie took them on, played his shots down the ground, on his pads, straight bat in the ‘V’, anything on fourth and fifth stumps, or on a good length he let it go. Put the bad balls away; it’s a five-day test match, it wasn’t that hot.

That team is more than good enough. Hodge, Greaves, Da Silva and McKenzie have got to bat in the first innings for a minimum of two days. Shamar Joseph-what a super-fit gem we’ve found; you could see there’s something about him-he put the top order to shame.

Motie should sit out for Sinclair in the second test at the Gabba. Brathwaite and Chanderpaul have got to lead the charge to salvage the series. Speedy recovery to Khawaja, but it happens when you give your mouth too much liberty.

We are more than capable with the ball. Wake up, West Indies! Wake up!

Kendell Karan
Chaguanas