Problems Remain for England as West Indies Stay Alive in the Series

The only certainty after two days of the third Test between West Indies and England is that there will be a positive result.

Not even the weather can seemingly deny one of the sides from being victorious (and the forecast for the coming days in Barbados looks good, according to Accuweather.com).

England battled hard on the opening day at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, creeping their way up to 240 for seven by the close.

Alastair Cook’s first-innings century rather summed up cricket in the Caribbean these days—on a pitch that lacked pace, he patiently picked up runs on the way to his first ton in the Test arena since May 2013.

However, Saturday’s action saw the match move from first gear straight to fifth.

It all started with the tourists losing their last three wickets for the addition of only 17 runs. But, despite being quickly bowled out for 257, they still managed to claim a first-innings lead.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

James Anderson—now his country’s top wicket-taker— claimed figures of six for 49, as West Indies were knocked over for 189 in just 49.4 overs.

With a 68-run lead, England’s one aim was to bat their opponents out of the contest.

Yet, rather than shutting the door on the West Indies’ chances of levelling matters at 1-1, they instead left open the prospect that a series they have for the most part largely dominated finishes up all square.

An evening batting collapse saw England lurch to stumps on 39 for five, meaning a useful—but far from decisive—advantage of 107 runs.

Gary Ballance was their one front-line batsman to stand firm, though his 12 runs came off 54 deliveries. England rather crawled along at the start of their second innings, the plodding nature keeping with their efforts during a tour that has been steady, rather than spectacular.

After 18 wickets fell during Day 2, it is tough to know which of the two sides will end up coming out on top.

West Indies’ efforts with the ball in the final session offers them cause for optimism, yet their batting display earlier suggests there is little margin for error at the start of the third day's play.

England, meanwhile, will be desperate to make sure they do not return home, having failed to hold onto a 1-0 lead.

Yet, no matter what the outcome in the end, they should travel back to begin a hectic summer schedule wondering if they quite made the most of the trip.

Although captain Cook finally managed to get that elusive three-figure score with his knock of 105, the identity of his opening partner is again going to be a hot topic of debate.

Jonathan Trott completed a miserable series by making nine runs in England’s second innings. Pushed up from his usual position of No. 3, he has contributed only 72 runs at an average of 12.

Speaking on BBC Radio's Test Match Special show, former England opener Geoffrey Boycott said of Trott:

"

He is a tough cookie and he has had a terrific Test record. But it's a different ball game psychologically up front.

It's not like being down the order and you have plenty of runs on the board and the bowlers are tired. Every time you go in it's the new ball and you have got fresh bowlers. It is nerve-wracking.

He can't play like that against quick bowling. I would be frightened watching him when Australia come (for the Ashes series this summer) with Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson.

"

It is hard to argue with Boycott, a man who scored 8,114 Test runs batting in the same position as Trott currently occupies for England.

Yorkshire's Adam Lyth has been part of the squad in the West Indies, but he has not featured.

Sam Robson, the previous incumbent as Cook's batting partner who was dropped after a mixed summer, reminded the selectors of his abilities by making 178 for his county, Middlesex, against Sussex at Lord’s on Saturday, as noted by Wisden's Lawrence Booth:

Trott has had his chances against West Indies. Now, though, England cannot contemplate continuing with him beyond the tour.

The identity of their next opening batsman is not the only issue for the management team during the tour debrief.

The bowling attack still looks overly reliant on the new-ball pairing of Anderson and Stuart Broad. They have so far picked up 25 wickets between them in five innings against West Indies.

Chris Jordan has five to his name, while Ben Stokes—an all-rounder of immense talent—continues to flatter to deceive. He has picked up just two wickets, coming at a cost of 115.50 apiece.

Like batsman Lyth, Durham paceman Mark Wood has not been afforded the chance to make his Test debut, while Liam Plunkett’s wait to earn a recall goes on. 

With Chris Woakes currently out injured, England must decide who provides the perfect foil behind the talismanic Anderson and the belligerent Broad.

With uncapped leg-spinning all-rounder Adil Rashid also not seeing any action while away, England have rejected the opportunity to take a look at some fresh faces before series with New Zealand and Australia.

But, before they need to worry about what is to come at home, they must first make sure they leave the Caribbean with more than just a nice tan.

Anything but a series win would feel like a disappointment.