Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

England "just aren't good enough" as Matt Prior slams top-order collapse vs West Indies

Matt Prior has delivered a damning verdict on England 's batting after the top-order collapsed yet again in the third Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

Having slumped to 67-7 in their first innings with only one frontline batter, Alex Lees, reaching double figures, England were rescued by their lower-order. In the end, a crucial last-wicket partnership between Jack Leach and Saqib Mahmood saw them make 204.

In response, the West Indies posted a first innings total of 297 and England collapsed again in their second innings. They lost four early wickets and were reduced to 39-4 when Ben Stokes became Kyle Mayers' third victim.

It left England 39-4 and 54 runs behind the hosts, with Joe Root's side staring down the barrel of a series defeat. And Prior was hugely critical of England's batters, labelling them 'not good enough'.

Speaking while on commentary for talkSPORT, Prior said: "It's a real tough one because I'm one of England's biggest fans and whenever I come on I want to be positive and look at the way they're going to win the game. But I really believe with where we are at right now we have to be honest and the players just aren't good enough.

"We know the batting has been an issue for a long time and technically they're just not capable."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan also questioned England's mental strength, suggesting that "the pressure has got to them". He told BT Sport: "Excellent from Kyle Mayers who has just got it wobbling about. Not loads, but enough.

"Mentally England's players are not good enough. The pressure has got to them."

Ex-England batter Jonathan Trott added: It hasn't gone England's way. It's been good bowling but there's a few batters wondering about their shot selection and wishing they could go again."

Can you help underprivileged children experience the joy of cricket? Charity Bat for a Chance donates cricket kit to those most in need and is also fundraising. Find out more here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.