Views from the Sunday's...

Nothing better than a good read of the papers on a Sunday with a cuppa. Some cracking stuff out there this morning particularly this piece by Simon Wilde about the forthcoming Ashes series.

Monty bashing in The Times...

Although on the face of it a little harsh, there are some wise words written here by Patrick Kidd. After Graeme Swann's performance in the Carribean this winter I don't think we'll have to worry too much about Monty's performance in an England shirt this summer...

Today's Guardian...

I enjoyed this little look at the Aussies over my morning coffee.

Phillip Hughes joins Middlesex...

Middlesex have created a bit of a storm by signing the new Aussie hot-shot batsmen Phillip Hughes for the first six weeks of the county season.

As an England fan it's not ideal that one of the main threats to our bid to recapture the Ashes this summer will be able to acclimatise to our wickets and get his eye in for the start of the series, but it's unfair to point the finger at Middlesex as they're only looking out for themselves and as a cricket fan I'll certainly be popping down to Lords to cast my eye over this extraordinary looking talent.

Atherton's latest thoughts...

Some interesting points in Michael Atherton's latest columns. I like this piece about the England players not being derserving of the wages. However, I can't agreed about this piece about Andy Flower, it smacks of the cheap option to me, something the ECB are very good at.

West Indies v England Test Review...

It was a test series that England were expected to win and win comfortably at that. As I listened to yesterday's final enthralling session, my flat mate mentioned to me about the Aussies once again tearing the South Africans to shreds, my response was that England are a long way from challenging our friends Down Under and that we're trying to scrape a draw with a fairly poor, if resurgent West Indian side.

And that is exactly where England are right now, down there in lower regions of test cricket. Yes, the batting was good in places, but it was helped by so very friendly pitches for batsmen, but the bowling was, at times, dire. Yesterday I berated Andrew Strauss for not declaring before lunch and I stand by that, yet the real cause of the defeat was that Nash and Chanderpaul were dropped and given lives, something that is always likely to bite you on the backside.

In truth the Windies won the series in one session when they sensationally bowled England out for 51 in Jamaica, but toothless bowling and a very some strange declaration decisions have cost England dear.

With just a two match series, once again against the West Indies, to come in England before the Ashes start Strauss' men, are a long way from being a good test side. I'm expecting a heavy series defeat for England this summer and it will leave the selectors a real dilemma before the tour to South Africa next winter, the rebuilding has to begin. Flintoff, Collingwood, Shah, Harmison, Sidebottom, Bell and even Panesar will all come under the spotlight. Like the toiling in the Caribbean, it could be a long way back for England yet...

What a finish...

...to a fantastic last day. England tried everything they could, but the West Indies held to clinch the series and probably deserved that. The real winner today was the game of cricket itself, what an incredible finale.

Full review of the series tomorrow, I'm drained after that.