"If they take us for granted we might get a win, or might win the series" - Joshua da Silva on England's Ashes focus
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.
"Obviously in the batting a few of us didn't stick our hands up" - 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.