Booked-in Bopara

Riverside May 14 Second Test England v West Indies

Preview

Only 55 days to the Ashes and still Andrew Strauss does not want to discuss the biggest series in English cricket. That's fine but unless the West Indies are convincingly defeated England will go into the Ashes as under-dogs; a sad state of affairs. Chris Gayle is being talked about as if he had advocated blowing up Parliament instead of suggesting 20-20 was the future. He has seriously offended the traditionalists but he is not concerned and he may even be right.

To lunch

Weird, quiet as the grave so that you can hear every word the fielders say and almost hear the whisper as Strauss is caught off his glove. Weird, too, as 30 overs are bowled in the first session. Have these West Indies cricketers shrugged off their traditional languid ways? No, but if a cool guy can be said to relish revenge, Gayle got his own back for all those nasty Strauss remarks earlier in the week.

To tea

As the game rumbles on Alistair Cook looks dreadful, less and less like a Test batsman, more like a youngster learning his way. Ravi Bopara, in contrast, looks as if he must become a permanent part of the top order, able to brush aside challenges from Michael Vaughan and Owais Shah. It is worth wondering why various Australians say they are sure Vaughan will play in the Ashes. I relish the idea but he hardly has the runs to justify his place. Shane Warne may have retired but their spin goes on and on.

To close

Bopara booked a place in the Ashes with his third successive Test century and joined Herbert Sutcliffe, Tom Graveney, Geoff Boycott and Graham Gooch, the only other England player with three in a row. I am becoming a convert. Bopara is not just technically correct but he has what Alec Stewart calls "controlled arrogance." He has ensured England win this Test if the forecast rain gives them time. I trust Cook's ninth Test century gives him the confidence to play better next time.