Tantrums in the Windies

Throughout the first Test at Sabina Park there were repeated comments in the media about 'trouble in the dressing room'. It seems to be one of those open secrets among journalists, who know all about the situation but, for whatever reasons, don't come out with the details. I suppose they need to keep a good relationship with the players and the management structure, but it's frustrating because really it just creates further rumours about what is really going on.

There is plenty for England to learn after the debacle in Jamaica; whether the so-called factions in the team can unite to learn these lessons is not so certain. Naturally, there is further speculation about Ian Bell's place in the side. Personally, I like him as a batsman, and I don't think removing him alone will paper over the cracks in our team. It could, however, send out the clear signal that no-one is safe in this team, no-one's place is guaranteed. We seem to be slipping back into the days of Duncan Fletcher's clique, and the role of the captain in cricket, as opposed to a manager/coach in football or rugby, makes it much harder for captain and coaching staff to select the best possible side.

Shah's inclusion might not automatically reverse England's fortunes, but the England team management must be seen to be making changes. The selection of Panesar, too, has been thrown into doubt by his further inability to vary his bowling, especially under pressure. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an automatic replacement for Monty; this speaks as much about the state of cricket in England and Wales as the internal workings of the England team.

For me, the real reason England were humiliated by this West Indies side is that they believed their own hype, just as they did after the fantastic Ashes win in 2005. The print and broadcast media barely concealed their expectations of a crushing win for England, constantly referring to the statistic that the Windies had won only 2 of their last 30 tests. Our bowlers toiled, although clearly finding the conditions frustrating (not that they hampered the Caribbean Crew too much), but our batsmen shows their hosts no respect whatsoever. There seems to be a belief that England are better than most sides, which is patently not true.

If we are to challenge the West Indies in the next three tests, the players and management need to realise quickly that they are only as good as their last innings, to steal a footballing cliche. Dressing room feuds need to be treated the same way schoolboy fallouts would be, and the eleven individuals in the pavillion need to realise that they play a team game. If they don't like it, they can forfeit their contracts and go play in the IPL. Obviously the ECB needs to try to keep their assets playing for England, but I am a fan and want no-one playing and earning for England if they aren't fully committed.

Hope those of you here in Blighty enjoyed the snow and, just for a moment, weren't too envious of the sunbathers in Kingston!