CAUGHT & BOWLED
Posted Tuesday May 13 **************************************************************
Sky Sports commentators David Lloyd and Bob Willis reflect on the sensational Antigua Test, which saw West Indies break one of the greatest records in the game - scoring 418 in the fourth innings to win the match and believe it gives England a big nudge for the future.
E-mail Bob and David
Bob writes:
Well, I didn't believe anyone would beat India's 406 to win a Test in the fourth innings, set back in 1976, but Brian Lara's men did it.
It has to be said that the Aussies have a habit of losing last games of series...They are extremely professional, but just seem to mentally take their feet off the gas when series have been wrapped up.
But I was so impressed with West Indies' new find, Omari Banks - nothing phases him, he is calm and collected, and doesn't play rash shots (unlike others in the side). It's a huge win for the men from the Caribbean because it was a team effort, but I would also pick out Vasbert Drakes, who has made a dramatic difference. His bowling has been disappointing, but his presence has made a valuable contribution.
 | |
| Banks: What a find | |
West Indies must be glad they re-thought the policy of not playing those who are not appearing in domestic action, which prevented South Africa-based Drakes from earning Test caps in recent years.
David writes:
I saw Banks play in the U-19s and he was a good young player then. It just shows England that they must take note - give young players a chance, you only need a couple of experienced men in there.
West Indies were hammered in the first three Tests and I can assure you that Australia were going for 4-0, not 3-0. It's a terrific effort by West Indies.
They will be looking to these young players to kick on again, and there's more to come...They were second only to the Aussies at U-19 level.
On Sunday we have John Crawley's return to Old Trafford when he leads Hampshire Hawks against Lancashire Lightning - live on Sky Sports 3 from 1pm.
It's a great story, there won't be any animosity from the players but there might be a reaction elsewhere.
I saw Crawley at the Twenty20 Cup launch last week, and he told me he's in good form and good spirits. It was an excellent move for him and probably for the club.
Bob adds: Yes, it should be pretty spicy on Sunday. Hampshire have been underperforming with the bat and need to find a replacement for Robin Smith soon. Lancashire have made some shrewd signings, and are not missing Crawley as much as I thought they would.
It's a surprise to see them in the second division, but I think they will have a good season this time round, now they have put the politics behind them.
 | |
| Crawley: Back to Lancs | |
Now to your questions:
SHAFAYAT IS SUPERSTAR IN MAKING
As ever our selectors have been caught in the same trap that has stopped English Cricket from moving on for the last ten years. They for some reasonseem to be the only panel of selectors who dont seem to want to move on and give the youth a chance. Jim Troughton from my county, Warwickshire, deserves a chance in the middle order. I just fear he wont get it. The same I believe as Owais Shah and Bilal
Shafayat.
Brian McMullan
David replies:
Yes, Brian, the three of them have been talked about by the selectors. I've not seen much of Troughton, but I'm told he's a good, very dashing player. However, there have been rave reports about Shafayat from Australians at the Academy who I really respect - they just can't stop talking about him.
Shah is more of a slow burner, who is now on the back burner. He's got to find consistency at county level. All of them are talented players, who nede to force their way in and tread water like Michael Vaughan did before getting a shedful of runs in almost every innings.
I'll add the names of Vikram Solanki, Anthony McGrath and Rikki Clarke to the list fo potential stars this summer.
Bob replies:
I'm a big fan of Shafayat, Brian, but not Owais, who has gone backwards. And I think Troughton has overtaken Ian Bell.
However, I'm expecting a conservative choice, they will go with Robert Key rather than the youngsters. I expect a more adventurous approach in the one-day squad.
 | |
| Bell: Fading star? | |
FOR WHOM DOES THE BELL TOLL?
I'm interested to hear your thoughts on Ian Bell, he appeared a certainty for the Test team last summer yet his record in the past 12 months is poor,especially given the progress of Warwickshire team-mate Jim Troughton. I believe the hype surrounding him has created unnecessary pressure and hampered his
progress, what do you think?
Richard McIntosh - Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Bob replies:
Well, Richard, Bell was injured last season and lost the early part of the winter at the Academy. He hasn't scored big runs consistently, one hopes he will soon. Both Bell and Troughton are good players, and don't forget another Bear prospect - Mark Wagh.
David replies:
I think you've nearly hit it on the head, Richard. Has Bell gone back or is it just hype? I must admit that he hasn't made me jump off my seat when I've seen him, which makes me think that he was prematurely pushed. Remember that Bob Woolmer dampened down the headlines by saying that he was not ready.
And, in true Brian Clough style, I must ask him to get his hair back to its normal colou, it doesn't help you at the crease!!
LET FEUDING PLAYERS SEE RED
Having seen the Glenn McGrath-Ramnaresh Sarwan stand-off in Antigua is it time that the umpires were
given the power to officially caution, or even send off, players who overstep the line.
I personally feelit's a bit rich for the Aussies to whinge when others `sledge` them when they are the acknowledged masters of the `art` and have admitted using the tactic to help win matches.
 | |
| Shep: Poor decision | |
Rod Taylor - Halifax
David replies:
Rod, the umpires DO have the power to caution players but rarely seem to use it. There's a procedure involving written reports.
I agree with you, though, I advocate a red `you're off for good` card. I'm a big believer in it, it would be terrific for the spectators. Also bring in a yellow card and sin-bin players for two hours.
Bob replies:
Hmm, I wouldn't go that far, Rod. I thought Sky Sports studio guest Jimmy Adams got it right last night when he said that the incident remained within the bounds of cricket. I think I've seen much worse than that and I'm the last person to condone bad behaviour on the cricket field, I didn't tolerate it when I was England captain.
THE CASE OF RIDLEY'S ELBOW
Yet again we see the farce of a player hit on the arm and given out when TV evidence quickly establishes that he should have stayed. The Ridley Jacobs dismissal in Antigua was the most appalling decision I have ever seen. Why can't we use replays. After all, as the commentators said, so much time is spent judging boundary decisions which are far less important.
Don Reynolds - Worcester
David replies:
This is another terrific idea, Don. We have all this deliberation about is it a four or six? Was he run out or not? The third umpire should say: `Hang on, it's come off his elbow` - the batsman would not be off the field by the time he came through.
If the man in the middle is not certain, give a signal to the third umpire. And, another thought, it's a six hour day for these fellas, why not rotate the three umpires, giving them two sessions in the centre each. What do you think, viewers, is all this too radical or is it sensible?
Let me know what you think by clicking here - I'm really interested
Bob replies:
Yes, it was a very bad decision by David Shepherd, Don. He's made some mistakes recently, but all the other umpires have been making them as well.
There needs to be a high-level meeting about whether we are going to use replays or not. The standard of umpiring is not as good as it should be. Officiating is much better handled in rugby union.
