England vs http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJG-Sammy-c1382 - Lord's London, May 17, 2012 - Preview
Coming off a testing trial against the Aussies and faltering in foreign conditions, West Indies seek to justify their tag as an emerging unit when they take on the no.1 ranked http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in the first Test, scheduled to be played at the home of cricket, Lord's, London, tomorrow, May 17, 2012.
Going into the first bout, the Windies have had little positive to look for, apart from the documentary Fire in Babylon. Skipper, Darren Sammy, has described it as an inspiration for his players, and he will need that as they take on the might of English players, currently at the peak of their power – especially in home conditions.
Their preparations have also stalled, owing to various factors. They have missed some of their key players, due to visa issues; suffered overwhelming loss in the only completed practice game, and are finding hard to name a best possible playing XI.
Furthermore, English media has shown little kindness on the touring party, writing them off even before a ball has been bowled. Such has been England’s aura at home that it is hard to see Windies upsetting the balance.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472 home. However, his own track record isn’t encouraging – in his two and half year tenure, the team has won just two matches out of a possible 19.
At most, they remain an emerging team, which has progressed well under skipper Sammy. One cannot look further than http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DM-Bravo-c1386.
Gibson hinted that the team might go with a four-pronged pace attack, considering the overcast conditions. However, the ploy involves a certain amount of risk with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808.
They have been deemed fit for the opening encounter, and given the ineffectiveness of spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/S-Shillingford-c2397, Gibson may be inclined to include all his front line bowlers.
For England, it will be matter of performing to their capabilities, with results bound to follow. They had endured a tough winter away from home, and will be eager to prove their mettle, albeit at their preferred home soil.
While they will go into the clash confident, there will be plenty at stake for a few Englishmen, including Andrew Strauss. The Test skipper is on a treacherous run with the bat, and will be reminded of his vulnerable position by the visiting players.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RS-Bopara-c2373.
The bowling lineup features some impressive names – http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Bresnan-c2711.
With Sammy talking about encouragement, he must ensure that his players avoid looking at the previous stats. The Windies’ record in England is dreadful, with their last win coming in 2000. Since then they have lost 12 and drawn 2. For the hosts, it will be a question of finishing the game inside four days.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is partly cloudy, with 20% chance of rain.
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