I’m not jumping over any guns here, but Matt Prior has done a very impressive job of saying “cheers” to England coach Peter Moores. Moores, chose to put his faith in the Sussex ‘keeper, and said ‘keeper duly repaid him with a magical century on debut. OK, so it was the 4th century of the innings, with Cook, Collingwood and Bell also managing three figures in the 1st innings of the 1st test against the West Indies, but considering that the England management have it in their heads that they want a wicket-keeper who can bat and that they consistently fail to select me for said role, then it seems like they might have found what they were looking for in Matt Prior.

The way he played his innings was the key thing. We don’t really need a batting keeper who can craft an innings, in the same style that Alec Stewart could. Stewart could open or bat at 6 and still score runs. Our current top order is so strong (on paper) that realistically the ‘keeper is never going to bat higher than 7, 6 at a push and by then what you really need is someone who can go in and score quickly and heavily. Which is exactly what Prior did. In contrast to Cook, Collingwood and Bell who were all scoring around a SR of 50-75, Prior hit his hundred off just over a hundred balls. Perfect. And there’s no problem with confidence either.

Now, it is only against a depleted West Indian bowling attack, at home, at Lord’s on a beautiful track. But you still have to do it. He won’t have to score hundreds every innings, but he has certainly demonstrated that he is capable of getting invaluable runs at the end of the innings.

This series is really getting to me. I am exasperated to see the once proud Windies reduced to such whimpering pussies. I am not surprised, as their best player in this test is not even West Indian! He is South African, and is called Brian Jerling!

I believe that umpires have a tough job and it is easy to criticize them after seeing replays on television. There is no such thing as a perfect umpire. The occasional mistake will be made, but umpires have to be consistent. On top of that, these are supposed to be the best umpires in the game and it is hard to accept such glaring errors.

Umpire Brian Jerling has been a disgrace in this match. When India bowled, I lost count of the number of close lbw shouts he ignored, particularly from Kumble – some looked plumb and would be given by any respectable umpire. Now, that would be fine if he maintained his monk like abstinence. In 170 overs, he did not give a single lbw.

Funnily, as soon as India come to bat he hands out three in quick succession. Dravid was out but Kaif and Dhoni were clearly not. Mistakes are okay but such inconsistency is not. It raises serious questions about competence and ‘neutrality’. Sorry Mr. Jerling, you are in the wrong place. It is in keeping with the decline in umpiring standards over the last few years.

Anyway, back to the match. The Windies may have won the ODI series but that was more to India losing the plot. There is little doubt that West Indian cricket is in terminal decline. I have not seen anything this test series to change my opinion. Piling on 581 on this pitch is no achievement when one umpire forgets to raise his finger. India were all out for 362, giving the Windies a lead of 219. Stunningly, Lara refused to enforce the follow on. These are amazing times in cricket. They lead by 219 at tea on day 4 and they think of saving the test first? Shocking – and disgusting.

A once proud cricketer who ruled the world is now an overcautious pussy, crippled by caution and fear of failure. Lara has buried whatever chance of victory the Windies had this match. Combine this with their inexplicably slow batting when setting a target yesterday, and you can sense the complete absence of confidence in themselves. That is the true measure of a team – put to scale by themselves.

I only hope that Lara will not do a Saurav, and will retire after the World Cup. He is finished as a top batsman. That he is the only player that can still inspire this team shows how bare the cupboard of talent is. They are a very mediocre team in every department of the game and will remain so.

My disgust with these so-called great players is complete. I switched the game off as soon as Lara decided to bat again. I spend more time watching cricket than I should, but I will not watch drivel.

I am watching the best match of the soccer world cup so far – Portugal versus Holland. That is certainly worth my time. What skill and heart. Big Phil Scolari – what a coach! What poor refereeing – here too? Escape seems impossible!

Just a few more thoughts. I am happy to see VVS get some runs at last. Kaif and Chanderpaul are the two most ugly players in cricket. I am not talking about their looks here, even though they are strong contenders in that category too!!!!

Ouch. Take my advice – watch more soccer.