Wednesday 3 June 2009

England Hammer Windies. Again.

That's more like it! The final warm-up before the fun starts on Friday saw England cruise to another win against the hapless West Indies. This nine wicket victory was notable for tidy bowling from Rashid (1-20) and stunning clean hitting from Bopara (60 off 35) and Wright (75* off 48).

Delighted for Wright, who hasn't enjoyed much time in the middle for England. He's had to wait a long time since those encouraging early displays two summers ago. Always imagined him in the middle order, but we could be onto something with him and Bopara up top. It wont work every game, maybe not even half the time, but it's great when it does because he is a genuine boundary hitter. And when he does get out, KP gets in - could be worse.

The main thing England must do now is stick with him. We've been striving for a settled opening partnership in one-day cricket for too long, and T20 selection in general has been anything but consistent - 14 players used in first 15 T20s, including 11 different opening partnerships. This one is worth giving an extended run.

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