Series Finally Bubbles as Australia Come To The Boil

Many had doubted that this series would ever ignite, but the last day finally delivered what dead pitches had robbed us of. The two teams teased their respective supporters right until the very end, but ultimately the West Indies earned the draw they required. If only the rest of the match (indeed the series) had been played at anything approaching that level of intensity.

It was undoubtedly a monumental effort by England to force such an exciting finish. The Windies aided their cause with some nervous batting as they closed in on a rare Test series victory over a team at the top table and their first over England in 11 years. However, Andrew Strauss and his team may look back at key points over the last five days when they could have made their task somewhat easier. England allowed part timer Brendan Nash too many overs on day one, and if they were as truly intent on the victory as they seemed this afternoon they should have looked to take full advantage. The same man was then dropped on 19 by Strauss before going on to make a century in the West Indian first innings. Had this one man been dealt with more severely by England then the result may have been different.

The series itself has been largely forgettable as a cricketing spectacle, and has unfortunately done little to advertise the positive aspects of the sport at a time when they really needed accentuating. From an England perspective there haven't been too many highlights. The large run totals seem impressive until they are equalled or surpassed but in truth this was more often down to lifeless wickets than confidence or form - a fact highlighted by Alistair Cook who scratched his way towards 200 runs last week, but still looked woefully short of confidence in this final Test. That said, Strauss has done well as captain, and his stats at the top of the order clearly show he is capable of taking on the extra responsibility. His inexperience has sometimes shown tactically, but he has dealt well with a tour that has thrown up a variety of selection problems and must surely be guaranteed the role for the summer. Equally impressive has been Graeme Swann, who has gone from squad tourist to arguably the outstanding bowler from either side in the series. His experience and control will be sorely missed in the ODI series

Given how little they had to work with, it is difficult to criticise the bowlers, but one can't help but wonder if the class of 2005 would have posed the West Indian's more difficulty. That said, Anderson and Broad toiled manfully, but Harmison and Sidebottom looked well off the pace. Sidebottom was almost certainly not fit enough to return to international cricket and will be back for the summer series when the conditions will also be better suited to him. As for Harmison, he continues to frustrate, even on the same grounds that showcased his finest hours. He will probably return, but that perhaps says more about the lack of competition for strike bowler slots than his own international credentials at this moment in time. In the batting department, despite scoring the runs which gave England a chance at a memorable victory, Kevin Pieterson will have wanted a more productive tour after the political disaster which preceded the series.

The major positive for this series however was the attitude of the West Indian side. Too often in recent years have they played careless and throw-away cricket in a manner which their fanatical supporters do not deserve. This series may prove to be a turning point for them. Chris Gayle will always frustrate purists, but he added steel to his explosive batting style this series and his selection for the last test showed a drive to win the series at all costs which ultimately earned his side the Wisden Trophy. If he can add some tactical nous to these qualities he may be able to oversea something of a revival in this part of the world.

With the Ashes just around the corner it has been interesting to see Australia reassert their number 1 status. Although they may not be the same force that they were, they have undoubtedly displayed the qualities they lacked in the home series loss against South Africa. The Protees have not been up to the same standard, but there aren't many sides who could take on Graeme Smith's men without Lee, Clark, Symonds and Watson and take a 2-0 lead. If England have learnt anything from this somewhat turgid series it is that they will need to improve in all departments before the summer's main event.