Joshua Da Silva says he is not irked by England already setting their sights on the 2025-26 Ashes – but is more than happy to accept their generosity if such future planning allows West Indies back into the series. West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva has hoped that the batters will not fall to soft dismissals against England. Joshua Da Silva wants the players to show strong character in the 2nd Test.
A dominant innings and 114-run win at Lord’s gives England a 1-0 lead in this three-match series heading into the second Test at Trent Bridge which begins on Thursday. The first Test was also James Anderson’s retirement party, coinciding with the start of a new era as Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith excelled on debut, with the former marking the changing of the guard with match figures of 12 for 106.
West Indies lost the first match within 3 days with an innings
West Indies start their second Test match of the England series on July 18. The visitors, who recently scripted an incredible Test victory at the Gabba against World Test Champions Australia would try to find some inspiration once again after their innings defeat in the first game. The West Indies side failed with the bat in both innings, an issue that has plagued the side quite often.
West Indies were in trouble in the first Test match after speedster Shamar Joseph hobbled off after a poor outing. Shamar bowled nearly 16 overs in the first innings and then walked off the pitch clutching his hamstring. Joshua Da Silva believes that Shamar will be good to go for the next two Test matches.
Gudakesh Motie was West Indies’ top-scorer in the match with 31 down at No.9 in the second innings, among a handful of other starts and single-digit scores. On day one they collapsed from a solid 88 for 3 to 121 all out, before they were reduced to 55 for 5 in their second innings the following afternoon.
Joshua Da Silva, who pocketed a two-ball duck and nine in his two innings, is optimistic that amends can be made at Trent Bridge.
England Ashes focus offers West Indies route back into series feels wicket keeper Joshua Da Silva post 1st test loss to Eng
West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Joshua da Silva feels England’s early eyes on the Ashes could benefit the Windies in the latter half of the series. West Indies are currently trailing 1-0 in the three-match series after suffering an innings defeat in the first Test at Lord’s.
England have been vocal about casting one eye on the Ashes while negotiating the ongoing home season. Ben Stokes and company will tour Australia at the end of 2025, having last beaten their rivals almost a decade ago.
England have already taken some radical decisions to align with their far vision, beginning with James Anderson’s retirement. The veteran pacer was asked to step away so England could groom their potential weapon for Australian surfaces, in the form of Gus Atkinson. They have also introduced a new wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith into the mix after losing patience with Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes.
“That’s their biggest fixture of their calendar. So if they’re looking forward, they’re looking to groom some players to make sure they have their team ready for them. I don’t think it’s wrong of them at all,” da Silva said on England’s Ashes obsession despite 18 months left for the tour (via ESPNCricinfo).
“Nah, it doesn’t hurt us. I don’t study it especially. We still have to play the cricket. If they take us for granted we might get a win, or might win the series. For me, I take that as a favour,” da Silva added
The second Test between England and West Indies is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 18, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Joshua da Silva on West Indies’ poor showing in the series opener
West Indies were blown away by Gus Atkinson’s 10-wicket match haul on debut in the first Test at Lord’s. With scores of 121 and 136 across both innings, the occasion of James Anderson’s farewell just about managed to take the spotlight away from the Windies’ atrocious batting display.
“Obviously in the batting a few of us didn’t stick our hands up. We are pretty disappointed after the first Test. We have put that behind us, we’ve had our discussions, and we are looking forward to the second Test. We are doing everything we can, rebuilding, and going hard forward into the next Test,” da Silva said in the same interaction.
“It might not look like it, but we’ve taken a few positives. A lot of guys got starts and just didn’t carry on. We talked about soaking up more pressure and how we are going to deal with those situations if we are put in them again. Not losing wickets in clusters,” he added
England have already announced their playing XI for the second Test. They have made a sole change with Mark Wood coming in for the retired James Anderson.