Law upset with Ambrose criticism as he looks for quick response from West Indies

Stuart Law has urged the West Indies to ignore their critics and follow diminutive batsman Jermaine Blackwood’s example as they look to bounce back in the second Test against England at Headingley, which begins today.

The match comes less than a week since West Indies coach Law saw his side suffer a crushing innings and 209-run defeat in the series opener at Edgbaston as the inaugural day/ night Test in England ended inside three days.

That led West Indies fast-bowling great Curtly Ambrose to label the current side “pathetic”.

Law was saddened that Ambrose, until recently the West Indies’ bowling coach, had vented his criticism in a British newspaper rather than directly to the players.

“Curtly not long ago was the coach of this team so it is disappointing that criticism comes,” Law said.

“We have to understand why it is there. We are not performing as well as we want.

“What can we do? We have to get our noses down, our backsides up and play better. I believe in these young men. They have got high skills.

“It is just the experience of learning how to play in a very tough environment.”

Law was encouraged by the fighting performance of Blackwood, whose 79 not out in the first innings at Edgbaston was a rare West Indies highlight of a closing Saturday where they lost 19 wickets in total.

“He showed a beautiful solid defence and hit the bad ball away, we can’t ask much more,” Law said.

“He is only 5ft 2in but he walks around like he is 10 foot tall and that is the sort of attitude that really warms my heart.”

Meanwhile, Chris Woakes will replace Toby Roland-Jones in the England team to play at Headingley, captain Joe Root confirmed yesterday.

Woakes, 28, has recovered from a side strain that kept him out of the first Test and the recent series against South Africa.

Roland-Jones had taken 14 wickets in his first three Tests at an average of 19.35.

Press Association