This was supposed to be the perfect finish to a great English summer but instead the West Indies delivered a reminder of their own past glories by routing England at the Oval. England’s winning run, which stretched to 14 matches, ended with their worst batting performance of the season as they failed to chase a low total on a turning pitch, the like of which will greet them in India next month.
Arranged to fulfil contractual obligations, these matches against the West Indies can be dismissed as unimportant but England’s management will not see it that way. They instil a no-fear attitude in their team so will be disappointing by a batting collapse caused by self-induced pressure and some disciplined bowling from a visiting team unrecognisable from the first match.
Telegraph