England's Nick Matthew has claimed that it was good for him and Adrian Grant to experience a more challenging encounter against Jamaica ahead of the doubles quarter-finals at the Commonwealth Games.
Defending champions Matthew and Adrian Grant were expected to enjoy a routine victory on Thursday, but the former believes that a battling 11-6 11-5 win over Chris Binnie and Bruce Burrowes is good preparation for the latter stages of the tournament.
"The ball was shooting everywhere and it took us a while to get control of that and our emotions because we were getting a bit frustrated – we've been quite comfortable up until now so that might stand us in good stead," Matthew told Team England's official website.
"We've not had to extend ourselves fully – it's been a bit of a slow burner so this wasn't what we expected, but it's what we needed.
"My eyes are popping out of my head now because the adrenaline started going."
Matthew is looking to add to his gold medal he won in the singles event thanks to a victory over English rival James Willstrop.
Callum Mulvihill
