England’s much-trumpeted “red-ball reset” got off to an entirely familiar start as they stumbled to 57 for four in the opening session of the First Test against West Indies in Antigua.
Since losing the Ashes 4-0, England have sacked their head coach, batting coach and managing director, as well as making six changes to their team – including four adjustments to the top seven.
But it made little difference to the performances of their top order as West Indies, led by the evergreen Kemar Roach, bowled superbly to put England – who won the toss – under the pump in fair batting conditions.
First to go was the debutant, Alex Lees. Roach, who is superb against left-handers, pinned him in front from round the wicket, with a review refusing to save him.
In the next over, Zak Crawley was caught behind brilliantly off the inside edge by Joshua da Silva, diving to his left.
It was a smart bit of bowling from 20-year-old Jayden Seales, who went wide on the crease to get his man, but a poor shot from Crawley, who tried to repeat two excellent drives by going too hard at the ball.
Joe Root, promoted to No3, had cut his first ball for four beautifully, but was outfoxed by Roach. A zealous cut had gone fast through the hands of fourth slip, and Root resolved to play fewer shots. Next ball, he was bowled by a beauty that he left. England were 27 for three.
Dan Lawrence zipped to 20, playing some nice shots through mid-wicket (as ever), but fell to Jason Holder, with the wily former captain frustrating him into a loose shot outside off, which found the hands of third slip. Holder bowled a five-over spell without conceding a run.
Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, neither in any hurry, took England to lunch. The West Indies had taken just two hours to be right in charge.
