WI vs ENG | 2nd Test: David Lloyd wants England, West Indies to protest over dead pitches

After the second Test between England and West Indies ended in a draw, David Lloyd said both sides should protest over the dead pitches. The Barbados Test match saw Kraigg Brathwaite scoring an 11-hour 160 in the first innings followed by an unbeaten 56 off 184 in the second innings. The tourists attempted to win the match on the final day but the home team could manage to pull off a comfortable draw.

David Lloyd, former England coach told the Daily Mail, “Officials in Grenada should do right by the players and make the final Test a contest.” 

He opined that the ‘dead’ pitches in the Caribbean have been ‘farcical’ and a blow to ‘broadcasters, players and supporters’.

Llyod continued, “If not both sides should protest. Bowlers should bowl with the wrong hand and batters bat the wrong way around. I don’t know who presides over the preparation of these pitches, but this is the second in recent weeks to have proved inadequate.” 

He added, “Like this one, the Rawalpindi pitch for the opening Test between Pakistan and Australia was as dead as a doornail.

“Who likes this sort of cricket? Broadcasters don’t; players don’t; supporters don’t. I’ve had half a dozen people contact me to tell me they’re not watching,” Llyod remarked.

On the other hand, Joe Root applauded the knock played by the West Indies captain on the final day while appreciating his team’s efforts. He said, “If we keep putting ourselves in these positions, it won’t be long before we see ourselves winning a Test here.” 

He added, “I can’t ask any more of the group. They were brilliant again. The attitude was excellent.”

“Concentration and ability to take those chances with some tired bodies around was a great effort, so a lot of good signs again throughout the whole game, so a really pleasing week.” Root concluded, “In terms of where we’ve been this winter and where we’re starting to see improvements, it is a really promising thing from us.”