West Indies v India

One-day cricket is great fun - but only if the game reaches the last three overs. I've just been watching a real humdinger of a game between India and West Indies with the visiting side cruising at 212-3, needing 12 to win off 14 balls, and then stumbling to 219-7, with five balls left, before righting themselves and winning three balls later.

It was just like watching England, only with a happy ending. The result means, however, that England are now out of the tournament, regardless of what happens in their final group match against West Indies. Chances are they'll probably win that one.

Is there any point in sending a team to the World Cup? We're still quite a good Test side, but at 50-over cricket England are dire. You get the impression that the players feel it doesn't matter, maybe taking their lead from the coach. Perhaps Geoffrey was right.

It would be better to send a team of England veterans out to the Caribbean in the spring. A side comprising Gooch, Stewart, Lamb, Gatting, Smith, Hick, Lewis, Pringle, Reeve, Headley, Tufnell would seem reassuringly solid. Half of them live out in the West Indies anyway. Just think of the savings the ECB could make in air fares...

Comments

[Ash]

I think you are right Patrick. what's the point in going there, just to beat the likes of Zimbabwe.

ECB should save that money and give it to charity. It will bring more smiles to the people rathers than tears to die hard english fans though I dont know any.

Atleast a team like Zimbabwe is trying to improve. With England it looks like that the players are not even bothered. They are doing a great disservice and disrespect to the game. If they are not interested than, let a NEW COACH built a SEPERATE one day team.