Barrington, beer and a new beach for Barbados

Two days at Windward Park was a pleasant distraction from what has been a Test series full of controversy, surprise and intrigue. The players appeared to enjoy a less pressurised atmosphere and they were cheered on by a healthy crowd, certainly on the Sunday as people made their most of their weekend to enjoy a few beers and rums at the cricket.

Not that there was a shortage of stories. Ravi Bopara and Amjad Khan impressed after their 41-hour journeys from New Zealand, while Matt Prior received news of his new baby and flew home. Not quite what England needed ahead of a must-win game, but this tour has never really gone to plan.

One of the highlights of the two-day game was some of the names on show in the President’s XI team. Without a doubt the most eye-catching was the opening bowler Barrington Bjorn Beckenbauer Yearwood. His parents must been a fan of the former England batsman, have liked tennis (or maybe Abba) and enjoyed German football.

But it’s back to the serious business now, and for England that means trying to level the series and set up a decider in Trinidad. They couldn’t have asked for a better venue. The redevelopment of the Kensington Oval has been done in a way that has modernised the ground but retained character - although it does look a little odd having one side with no stands.

The Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand looks a little like the Lord’s media centre and the only shame is that they have closed in the press box which was open-fronted for the World Cup. At least it should cut down on my sun burn.

England will also have huge support to cheer them on. This is a must-see Test for many fans who travel overseas and plenty have been spilling into town over the last few days, filling the bars of St Lawrence Gap on the south coast. They probably won’t have expected the heavy showers that blew across Bridgetown for much of the day, but hopefully they will have cleared by Thursday.

One final point to mention. They are building a beach at the ground and after the debacle in Antigua surely sand is the last thing people want at a cricket stadium. Thankfully, this time it’s on the right side of the boundary – the outfield couldn’t be better.