2-1 looks better than 3-0. In the history books it may even look as if it was close, but by-and-large this was a series to forget in a hurry. Just as it was lost in a hurry. Root went into the sixth innings of the tour with only 55 runs to his name. Yes, he is a world class batsman, but 122 when the series is dead and buried is nothing but consolation.
I have listened to both ‘The Cricket Social’ on BBC, and TalkSport’s coverage. The ‘Social’ did a good job of bringing in Coaches and Executives to chat at length about the life of cricket and business around them. This was occasionally interrupted by Aggers out in the Caribbean with his lost puppy Sir Alistair trying desperately hard to remain optimistic.
Was Aggers a roving reporter this series? Presumably there was no TMS box? Derek Pringle has always had an intelligent eye for the game, and he’s starting to acquire the Cricket Commentator’s red wine raspiness, which may serve him well. TalkSport’s team just seems to be Sky’s team in their hourly break. It’s good to still be able to get ball by ball commentary. Incidentally, never heard so much ‘Times Literary Supplement’ advertising.
There is a ENG v WI ODI series to look forward to and a 20/20 tagged on at the end, followed by a 4 day test against Ireland in the early Summer in England. It will be a great summer of cricket for the fan. June will be packed with the World Cup, with the final at Lords on the 14th July, immediately followed by the Ashes.