Chris Stocks finds that while the West Indies recognise England’s improvement, they harbour hopes of continuing their good form on home soil holder: WE can upset ‘inconsistent’ england
England will begin the three-Test series in the Caribbean next week full of confidence after their 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in November, but West Indies captain Jason Holder insists his team can overturn the form book and inflict a damaging defeat on Joe Root’s men.
Victory in Sri Lanka marked a significant line in the sand for this England team – a first away Test series success since 2016 and a welcome continuation of the form that saw them beat India 4-1 at home last summer.
Things have not gone to plan on their last two tours of the Caribbean, though, with England losing 1-0 in 2009 and a 1-1 draw in 2015 signalling the end of Peter Moores’ reign as coach.
England do appear better placed to succeed in this latest series, which starts in Barbados, the scene of their defeat in the final Test four years ago, next Wednesday.
Holder, back from a shoulder injury that saw him miss his country’s tour of Bangladesh late last year, is full of admiration for how England have improved since the teams last met in Test cricket back in 2017, when the West Indies pulled off a stunning win at Headingley during a 2-1 series defeat.
Yet he has warned Root and his players that this upcoming series is not a foregone conclusion.
“England are one of the better Test teams around the world right now and to beat Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka 3-0 is obviously a wonderful feat,” said Holder. “It shows the quality and depth they have within their side.
“It will be a tough series as it always is against England. But in recent times we’ve really been able to push them so now it’s about us doing it more consistently as a collective unit and putting together Test victories.
Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin January 18,2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Cricket Paper dergisinin January 18,2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
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