England vs West Indies 1st Test: 5 Talking Points as Blackwood steers visitors to historic 4-wicket win

#2 England's decision to leave out Stuart Broad backfires spectacularly

Broad watched on from the sidelines disconsolate

Stand-in captain Ben Stokes wasted no time in taking brave calls as England's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket was benched, citing the extra pace that Mark Wood and Jofra Archer boast of. Broad stated in an interview that he is angry, frustrated, and gutted - very valid emotions considering his stature in Test cricket.

While Jofra Archer did bowl a fiery spell in the final innings of the Test, he was toothless in the first with his pace nowhere near where it was in the Ashes. Mark Wood was far too short and while he did bend his back to get something out of the pitch, he wasn't nearly as effective as he should have been.

Stuart Broad could have been the difference between the two sides in what was eventually a narrow win, and Ben Stokes and the England management really need to take a deep look at what they've just done.

---

#1 Jason Holder just edges the battle of the skippers

Jason Holder and Ben Stokes during the post-match press conference

West Indies and England captains Jason Holder and Ben Stokes came into this Test as the World No. 1 and No. 2 all-rounders respectively. Much was made of this battle before the start of the series and it largely lived up to its billing.

Holder took a 6-for in the first England innings, capturing the key wicket of Ben Stokes in both essays. The England skipper wasn't to be outdone, and had his West Indies counterpart caught at fine-leg in their first innings.

As Holder stayed to the end in the final session to take his team over the line, Stokes showed enough to prove why he is one of the best all-rounders in the world, with twin 40s and 6 wickets in the match. This mini-battle will certainly continue to be crucial to the outcome of the series, although Joe Root will take over from Stokes at the helm for the next Test match.