Joshua Da Silva isn’t bothered by England already gearing up for the 2025-26 Ashes. In fact, he’s willing to capitalize on their forward planning if it gives the West Indies a chance to bounce back in the current series.
England’s dominant innings and 114-run victory at Lord’s has given them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, heading into the second Test at Trent Bridge starting Thursday. The first Test was also a farewell for James Anderson, who retired with 704 Test wickets and stepped into a bowling coach role.
While some criticize Anderson’s early exit for shifting focus from the West Indies series, Da Silva understands England’s strategy to prepare for future challenges. He even sees it as an opportunity for his team.
That’s their biggest fixture on the calendar,
Da Silva remarked.
If they’re looking forward, they’re grooming players for the Ashes. It doesn’t bother us. We still have to play our cricket. If they take us lightly, we might surprise them with a win.
The West Indies team had a candid discussion after their loss, focusing on their subpar batting performances of 121 and 136. Despite the inexperience in English conditions, the team acknowledged the need for individual accountability.
Gudakesh Motie, batting at No. 9, top-scored with 31 in the second innings. The team collapsed from 88 for 3 to 121 all out in the first innings and were 55 for 5 in the second innings by the following afternoon. Da Silva, who scored a duck and nine in his two innings, remains optimistic about improvement at Trent Bridge.
A few of us didn’t step up with the bat,
Da Silva admitted.
We’ve had some soft dismissals. We’ve moved past the first Test, had our discussions, and are focused on the second Test. We’re rebuilding and going hard for a win.
He emphasized the importance of sticking to their process, adding,
We’ve taken positives from the match. Many got starts but didn’t carry on. We discussed handling pressure better and avoiding losing wickets in clusters. Trusting our game is key.
The West Indies trained on Tuesday, with Shamar Joseph bowling despite hamstring stiffness from the first Test. He might still be replaced by uncapped Jeremiah Louis.
He should be good,
Da Silva commented on Shamar.
He bowled in training, so he seems fine.
Reflecting on Anderson’s retirement, Da Silva said it didn’t distract the team.
It was the first time I had to line up every morning of a Test match,
he joked.
Da Silva was Anderson’s 704th and final Test victim.
I tried hard not to be one of his wickets, but he bowled a great delivery. I told him after the game, and he had a good laugh. What a legend.
For Da Silva, improving his own performance and helping his teammates is crucial. With 27 caps, he is one of the more experienced players in the squad. His century against England in March 2022 helped secure a series win, setting England on their path to a new Test captain and coach.
I feel like a senior in the team now,”
Da Silva said.
I’ve played enough to have some experience, though I’m still learning from guys like Kraigg, Jason, and Alzarri. I hope my teammates see me as a resource.
Da Silva echoed head coach Andre Coley’s call for resilience, similar to their comeback against Australia earlier this year.
We’ve done it before. It won’t be easy, but if we can replicate that, we’ll be very happy.