The Caribbean kicks off with what promises to be a great year for England Cricket!

The Caribbean kicks off with what promises to be a great year for England Cricket!

Just a couple of weeks to the much anticipated West Indies tour. I have been inundated with messages by those who have been with us before and can’t wait to set off again on this the longest England tour of the West Indies for a long time.  Excitement seems to be the general consensus!

We had a great summer beating India and following on with a big win in Sri Lanka. Having just seen India beat the Aussies in their own backyard England will chomping at the bit to get revenge over their arch rivals in the summer. Prior to that we have the World Cup. I firmly believe we are the best side, having thrashed Australia away and at home, India and then Sri Lanka away we are in great shape, but we must keep our concentration in the knockouts. I’m sure they will be reminded what happened against Pakistan…. how many times has the underdog run off with the gold in any sport?

The test side is going through a transitional period, with the announcement of the Chef’s retirement so before I continue I must congratulate him on his knighthood which is fully deserved, I did call for it in a previous blog so I am delighted for him!

With Ben Foakes coming in as wicket keeper, pressure will be in Johnny Bairstow to score runs with the bat. I don’t want to go over old ground as I have mentioned this before, but I will. I still think Jason Roy has a chance in test cricket, so let’s see how that pans out, we do need to unearth a few quickies, with Broad and Anderson in the autumn of their careers, but that’s for another day!

I’m thoroughly looking forward to the Caribbean, the team are busy putting the finishing touches to what promises to be an exciting tour, I know it’s Sara’s favourite. As you know we have a lot planned and I’m sure after the day’s game we will retire to the bar for a Rum Punch or 2 and chat about the day’s cricket! We have Judith our resident artist painting water colours actually live in the ground. Here is a link to her earlier work in Australia and Sri Lanka.

Away from the cricket this is a photo of myself and a very good friend Neil Smith a long time Chelsea supporter and author of “Where were you when you were shocking?” I thought I should plug his book. I have known Neil for over 40 Years we used to travel to a lot of away games together which is what the book is about. I know there are a few Chelsea fans who travel with us and although I  try not to mix football with cricket it is a great read. It makes you appreciate the good times after spending several years in the doldrums.

I hope you have a safe flight to the West indies and we look forward to meeting you all on what will be a momentous tour!