Different format, different opponents, same old story for England, who started their Twenty20 series against West Indies in Barbados with very different personnel but in precisely the same style with which they ended the Ashes in Tasmania, soundtracked by an embarrassing clatter of wickets. The tourists lost first the toss and then their composure as they slumped to 49 for seven before mounting something of a recovery but West Indies, powered by a suitably regal half-century from Brandon King, made their total of 103 appear suitably trifling and won by nine wickets with 17 balls remaining.
For the hosts, who had lost eight of their last nine Twenty20 internationals, an emphatic victory over the world’s top-ranked side was an occasion to savour. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” said their captain, Kieron Pollard.
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