 Not even their average performances in the practice games must have seen this
coming. The West Indies' abysmal performance on overseas tours continued with
them losing the 2nd Test of the 2-Test series by an innings margin. They'd earlier
lost the 1st Test by 10 wickets and to boot such cricketing woes, controversial
matters such as that they're being led by a reluctant captain didn't help their
cause too much either. England on the other hand was happy to get back
the Wisden Trophy and was obviously the more in-form team going into the 3-match
ODI series.
The 1st ODI to be held at Headingley, Leeds was washed out without a ball being
bowled. The choice of venue came under severe criticism as people were quick
to point out that the North of the country is prone to heavy showers during
this time of the season. Moreover, the Yorkshire club's new drainage system
too came under heavy fire as reports of it being not efficient enough started
doing the rounds. The club authorizes on its part did admit that the heavy downpour
not with standing, their drainage system could get better and assured that the
same would be working fine, come the Ashes. The Yorkshire club has apparently
spent a massive 600,000 pounds of ECB grant in getting the new drainage system
over the winter season.
The 2nd ODI now is to be played at Bristol, where the weather Gods are expected
to not play any spoilsport. England will be without the services of their 2
superstar players, Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen, both of
whom are sidelined due to injuries. Ravi Bopara who's had a fine IPL and an
even more impressive Test series, will be looking forward to cement his place
in the ODIs as well. The West Indians will be benefitted with the return
of Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle himself would be keen to make up for
his failures in the Tests; this ofcourse being a format of the game that is
much more to his liking. With the World T20 to be held shortly after this ODI
series, players from either side would be hoping to get some form going for
them.
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