Mark Wood, England’s fast bowler said on Thursday that players were using back sweat instead of saliva to shine the ballin the first Test match between England vs West Indies in Ageas Bowl. Strict health protocols are followed by both the teams as this Test match marks the resumption of international cricket after 117-day halt due to the coronavirus pandemic outburst.
It did not bother the West Indies bowler who dismissed England on 204 on the second day with Jason Holder taking six wickets for a career-best haul.
Wood later start pacing against the Windies at a frightening speed, but West Indies ended the day well-paced on 57-1, losing John Campbell to an LBW by James Anderson for 28.
“Back sweat has been the major thing at the moment with saliva going out the window,” Wood said. “Only your own, although we’re mingling the back sweat a little on the ball, I’ve got some of Jimmy (Anderson’s) and Jofra (Archer’s).”
It was a unsatisfactory and frustrating day for the Englishmen, and with a weather forecast for Friday, West Indies have the chance to seize the control of the match.
“We haven’t had the best day so plenty to do. I’d prefer a few in the wickets column rather than the pace column,” Wood, who was up in the mid 90 mph range, said. “They bowled well and got to give them credit, but 204 wasn’t on the radar, we’d have liked 250 or 300. We didn’t get it right with the ball, they got their line and length spot on. It’s a bit of cobwebs and rust.”
Holder had experienced an ankle injury in the build-up to the test but showed an awe-inspiring display of bowling, including taking major wickets of his England counterpart Ben Stokes for 43.
“My patience has definitely increased. Before I was trying to bowl too many deliveries in one spell,” Holder said.
“I look at consistency, and patience was one of the things I was lacking. Using the crease is something I strive to do and using the angles at the point of delivery. When you’re not as quick as some people, you’ve got to be skilful.”
The current scoreboard is – West Indies batting at 57-1 with Kraigg Brathwaite batting at 20* with Shai Hope on the runner side at 3. Day 3 of the Test match is yet to begin.
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