(Reuters) – England’s so-called red ball reset after the latest Ashes debacle endured a sobering reality check towards West Indies on Friday when their bowlers toiled for under three wickets on a protracted day in the sector at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
West Indies closed on 288 for 4 in their first innings in reply to England’s 507 for 9 declared.
On a placid pitch that has uncovered the bowling limitations of each groups, England struggled to repeatedly beat the bat of a stoic West Indies higher order decided to outlive after beginning day three of the second check in a deep gap.
With England’s two genuinely fast pacemen, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, injured, and veterans Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad omitted of the touring social gathering, the Caribbean journey is serving as an audition for these current.
But whereas tempo bowlers Matt Fisher and Saqib Mahmood have been usually tidy on debut, and spinner Jack Leach has been relentlessly correct, the bowling has largely lacked a innovative.
“It’s a really trustworthy bowling assault which hasn’t bought the X-factor of a wrist spinner or an actual quick bowler,” mentioned former England bowler-turned TV commentator Steve Harmison.
“The jury’s nonetheless out on (Leach at) check match degree. Today he confirmed that with a floor with a little bit of help he did not get the ball to show as a lot as he most likely ought to have.”
Leach has figures of 1-97 from 44 overs.
Fisher, Ben Stokes and part-time spinner Dan Lawrence have one wicket apiece, with Lawrence claiming the precious scalp of Jermaine Blackwood for 102 simply earlier than stumps.
But Kraigg Brathwaite remained unbeaten on 109.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Ken Ferris)
