What a week to be an England fan. I have been taunted everyday since the debacle by the West Indies fans, and rightfully so.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have seen this coming. England being bowled out for a mere 51 by the West Indies in the second innings of a Test match is just unbelievable, dreadful, appalling, shocking and the list could go on and on.

The question is, have the West Indies improved that much or are England just in pure turmoil ever since the Kevin Peterson situation? The answer to the question is both.

For the West Indies, with the inclusion of Brendan Nash, spinner Suleiman Benn and the resurgent Jerome Taylor they have been able to improve their overall game.

In addition, the players have put their faith and full support behind their new coach, John Dyson.

England on the other hand is still reeling with the turmoil between Kevin Petersen and their former England coach, Peter Moores, causing unsettlement for the players.

It is obvious that they haven't moved on, but maybe this will be the wake-up call that England need to bounce back and win the next test in this series. Does England have the character to bounce back? Yes!

It was several years ago that I faced Suleiman Benn at Somerset Cricket Club.

As his captain called him to take the ball I said to myself, "Ok Smitty, this should be a real task".

He reminded me of Courtney Walsh with his height and I was sure he was going to be this lightening fast bowler.

As he walked back to his mark and took a mere short run up I was pleasantly surprised. After one over of facing Benn I wished he was a fast bowler.

He bowled at a quick pace for a spinner, but to make matters worse he got incredible bounce and turn. It was challenging!

After the match I recall thinking and questioning why he was not a part of the West Indies team as they have for a long time lacked a quality spinner.

All this to say it is of no surprise to see him playing and bowling well for the West Indies.

Another player in the West Indies team that has made a tremendous difference to their team is Brendon Nash.

Nash being an Australian brings that swagger of confidence along with him.

He has shown already the quality that he possess having put together some good scores.

With him in the team it gives Gayle, Sarwan and Chanderpaul that much more confidence that they can bat without the pressure of having to produce all of the runs; the batting line-up now has depth.

Lastly the bowling by Jerome Taylor has been first class. The fire and tenacity produced by Taylor along with the variety of Benn destroyed and shattered England.

Between the two bowers they were responsible for taking nine wickets in the second innings.

On the flip side of things, England has a horde of problems in their camp.

Having just replaced their captain and coach it will take time for the team to settle.

However, with the next Test match being in Antigua England will have the opportunity to get some much needed batting practice as the wicket in Antigua is flat and easy to bat on.

This should bode well for England and give them some time to regroup for the later Test matches.

The test of character is upon my England team.

They are true professionals and I am confident that they will show the mental strength that is needed to keep this Test series alive.

I must openly admit I was stunned and surprised when I heard the scores.

Very rarely do you ever see a Test team bowled out for this low.

Could the West Indies be really back on their way up to the glory days of yesteryear?

Will England preserve and show their true qualities?

Only time will tell. This will be a great Test series, but I stick by my England boys and say they will still win the Test series 2-1.

Motto for the week: Victory belongs to the most persevering - Napoleon