“Rusty” describes, with some accuracy, England’s batters during their first innings vs. the West Indies. COVID-19 has limited preparation and match practice and confirmed the simple fact: rust never sleeps. Yet, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler helped to oil England’s rusty innings.
After rain affected the first day, England resumed on 35-1. They were soon struggling on 87-5 before Ben (43) and Jos (35) lifted the gloom, at least for a while.
Ben and Jos added 67 run for the sixth wicket. Supporters must have been hopeful that the captain and vice-captain could give England the advantage. Especially, when Ben and Jos took the attack to the West Indies bowlers. The hope that the innings might be turned around was thwarted by the hard facts of reality.
Ben was dropped twice before the excellent Jason Holder claimed his wicket. Then, two overs later the West Indies captain had Jos caught behind by a diving Dowrich.
England were all-out for 204, with Holder taking 6-42. Earlier in the England innings Zak Crawley (10) became Holder’s first victim.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by William West/AFP via Getty Images)