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The West Indies finally won their first match this tour in the first of back to back 20/20 Internationals.  Having lost against Derbyshire earlier in the week and admitting they hadn’t played much 20/20 it looked odds on that England would continue to turn the screw.  But on an Oval pitch and conditions, which offered the bowlers no swing, the Windies seemed to find the flash and dash approach of 20/20 suited their style.  They rattled off 208-8 and at one point looked like they might beat the 221 record set by Australia in this form of the game.  Funnily enough, that was scored against England as well.  They were helped it has to be said by some mediocre bowling and by new Captain Collingwood failing to keep enough fielders in the ring and conceding a no-ball.

England came out and set about their task with determination, with Prior in particular looking menacing.  But the ususal flurry of early wickets left them chasing over 12 an over from early into the innings and when KP got himself run out it looked all but over.  Incidentally KP managed to roll around for 5 minutes in true Premiership style clutching his knee having dived to try and make his ground.  Fortunately I think this was more due to embarrassment then actual pain.

England did go on to make a fight of it though led by Captain Colly, who made 79.  He was helped it has to be said by Powell who dropped him (Bumble correctly pointing out that Powell himself was the only  person in the ground who was surprised given his fielding record), and also by a poor umpiring decision when he was clearly out LBW.

Although England did lose the match it wasnt until the last few balls that the game was over.  At least then the crowd had some excitement and enjoyed plenty of boundaries and some good cricket.  That’s what this form of the game is designed for and for once it has delivered.  Let’s hope today’s game does the same!