Samuels' lone defiance
ESPNcricinfo presents the Plays of the Day from the fourth day at Trent Bridge
George Dobell at Trent Bridge
28-May-2012
Marlon Samuels was a lone figure of defiance on the final day • AFP
Gesture of the day
At the end of West Indies' innings, England's players were about to run up the pavilion steps when many of them stopped. Trailing behind them was a dejected Marlon Samuels, trudging off the pitch knowing that the 193 runs he had contributed in the match would still not be enough to save his side from defeat. England appreciated the effort, though. They waited for Samuels, allowed him to climb the steps before them and applauded him all the way. Whatever else that has happened this series Samuels has earned the respect of this England team.
At the end of West Indies' innings, England's players were about to run up the pavilion steps when many of them stopped. Trailing behind them was a dejected Marlon Samuels, trudging off the pitch knowing that the 193 runs he had contributed in the match would still not be enough to save his side from defeat. England appreciated the effort, though. They waited for Samuels, allowed him to climb the steps before them and applauded him all the way. Whatever else that has happened this series Samuels has earned the respect of this England team.
Review of the day
If West Indies were to have any chance of setting England a testing total, it was essential that someone in West Indies' tail stayed with Samuels well into the afternoon session. The dismissal of Kemar Roach snuffed out their last realistic chance. Roach was caught on the crease, playing across a straight one from James Anderson. While Asad Rauf, the on-field umpire, said not out' England were convinced and utilised the DRS. Replays showed that the delivery would have hit leg stump and, for the second time in the match, Rauf was over-ruled. It was due reward for another deserving display from Anderson but capped an uncharacteristically flawed performance from the normally excellent Rauf.
If West Indies were to have any chance of setting England a testing total, it was essential that someone in West Indies' tail stayed with Samuels well into the afternoon session. The dismissal of Kemar Roach snuffed out their last realistic chance. Roach was caught on the crease, playing across a straight one from James Anderson. While Asad Rauf, the on-field umpire, said not out' England were convinced and utilised the DRS. Replays showed that the delivery would have hit leg stump and, for the second time in the match, Rauf was over-ruled. It was due reward for another deserving display from Anderson but capped an uncharacteristically flawed performance from the normally excellent Rauf.
Shot of the day
Left with only Ravi Rampaul for company, Samuels decided the best response to the situation was to counter-attack. The second six in an over - the first one hit an unfortunate spectator - was a brutal blow over long-on off Graeme Swann and helped West Indies take 17 off the over. It was a rare moment of joy on another disappointing day for West Indies.
Left with only Ravi Rampaul for company, Samuels decided the best response to the situation was to counter-attack. The second six in an over - the first one hit an unfortunate spectator - was a brutal blow over long-on off Graeme Swann and helped West Indies take 17 off the over. It was a rare moment of joy on another disappointing day for West Indies.
Miss of the day
By the time Andrew Strauss, on 34, edged Darren Sammy between the keeper and the wide first slip, the game was already decided. England were 64 without loss and required only another 44 for victory. By the fact that Denesh Ramdin did not even attempt the chance that flew a little way to his left provided an illustration of the ebbing spirit within this West Indies side. While they have, once again, fought hard for sustained periods, they have now lost six of their last eight Tests and have won only two of their last 32. After all that, do they really believe they can win?
By the time Andrew Strauss, on 34, edged Darren Sammy between the keeper and the wide first slip, the game was already decided. England were 64 without loss and required only another 44 for victory. By the fact that Denesh Ramdin did not even attempt the chance that flew a little way to his left provided an illustration of the ebbing spirit within this West Indies side. While they have, once again, fought hard for sustained periods, they have now lost six of their last eight Tests and have won only two of their last 32. After all that, do they really believe they can win?
Delay of the day
Jonathan Trott's ritualistic marking of his guard has been known to delay - and irritate - a few bowlers. While most have contented themselves with a few words and a mean glare, Marlon Samuels decided to make Trott wait for him. Having watched while Trott took guard, surveyed the field, adjusted his thigh guard to ensure it was comfortable and then checked his guard once more, Samuels could see the batsman was finally ready. Instead of bowling, though, Saumels aimed a practise delivery towards mid-on to leave a bemused Trott in the unfamiliar position of waiting for the bowler.
Jonathan Trott's ritualistic marking of his guard has been known to delay - and irritate - a few bowlers. While most have contented themselves with a few words and a mean glare, Marlon Samuels decided to make Trott wait for him. Having watched while Trott took guard, surveyed the field, adjusted his thigh guard to ensure it was comfortable and then checked his guard once more, Samuels could see the batsman was finally ready. Instead of bowling, though, Saumels aimed a practise delivery towards mid-on to leave a bemused Trott in the unfamiliar position of waiting for the bowler.
Frustration of the day
With only one wicket to his name and well over a hundred runs conceded, Shane Shillingford could not be said to have enjoyed a good match. But, as England closed on victory, there were a few signs of what might have been had West Indies top-order been able to deliver a larger target. Shillingford beat the bat on several occasions and, by drawing a bat-pad edge from Jonathan Trott that flew past short-leg, showed the skill that helped him take 10 wickets against Australia in his previous Test. He also beat Alastair Cook's forward grope with one that turned sharply past the batsman's outside edge. Had West Indies not endured that awful final session on day three, Shillingford might have been a dangerous proposition on the final day.
With only one wicket to his name and well over a hundred runs conceded, Shane Shillingford could not be said to have enjoyed a good match. But, as England closed on victory, there were a few signs of what might have been had West Indies top-order been able to deliver a larger target. Shillingford beat the bat on several occasions and, by drawing a bat-pad edge from Jonathan Trott that flew past short-leg, showed the skill that helped him take 10 wickets against Australia in his previous Test. He also beat Alastair Cook's forward grope with one that turned sharply past the batsman's outside edge. Had West Indies not endured that awful final session on day three, Shillingford might have been a dangerous proposition on the final day.
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo