After the Ashes debacle and evens-Stevens series in New Zealand, yesterday's Test win in Grenada was England's first overseas since Kolkata in December 2012. No wonder Alastair Cook looked not just delighted but also a tad relieved. In that victory over India, it had been his own big innings which laid the foundations. This time the major runs flowed from the bat of Joe Root.
While it is undoubtedly true that the Windies are no longer the challenge they used to be, the England set-up should be pleased with their recovery from their World Cup woes. Root and Gary Ballance have passed 2,000 and 1,000 runs, respectively, in near record time, and now the skipper himself has notched a few welcome 50s.
Jimmy Anderson has rediscovered his mojo after breaking Ian Botham's national record and in the 2nd Test his 4-43, catch and run-out proved critical in halting the home team's progress onwards salvaging another draw. Jonathan Trott has returned to the side. Without much success but at least it will boost his confidence ahead of the summer Tests on home soil.
The West Indies have shown signs of competitiveness. Marlon Samuels defied the verbal abuse from Stokes and Anderson to produce a century and Kraigg Brathwaite also reached three figures in the second innings. However, the attack has lacked teeth once the ball loses it's shine, and the other batsmen, even the venerable Chanderpaul, have disappointed. Let's hope there's a more even contest in the Barbadoa decider.
