England well in control

Graeme Thorpe led the way as England dominated Day 3 of the 2nd Test at Trinidad.

The veteran left hander was one of 3 half centurions in the middle order as England first battled then batted their way on top of the West Indians.

The first session was one of attrition, as Mark Butcher and Nasser Hussain resumed their brief stand from the previous evening and were unbreakable, although the run rate was slow. 69 runs were added in just short of 2 and a half hours (it would have been 2 and a half hour session, but the umpires forgot to bring the bails out first thing, so play was delayed)

Nothing the West Indian quicks tried would dislodge them, although on more than one occasion edges fell short of the slip cordon.

Just after lunch, that changed though, as Butcher was adjudged to have edged a wide one from Tino Best through to Ridley Jacobs. TV replays suggested the call may have been more than a little harsh, but at the end of the day, it was a poor shot from one who had been so restrained in his 190-ball 61 and the long look he gave the umpire before finally walking off may well hit his pocket when Mr Proctor reviews the game.

That wicket fell at 128-3, at which time the ball was in its 62nd over, such was the dogged battle being waged, and the way the ball was carrying through to Jacobs at varied heights suggested the West Indies just needed one quick breakthrough and the innings might fold.

Thorpe looked dodgy when he came in, being very lucky to escape one top edged pull that ended up at the third man boundary, but he gradually settled in, and the run rate began to increase as he and Hussain added 58 before Hussain was finally dismissed, bowled through the gate by the ever-impressive Best. Hussain had batted almost 6 hours for his 58, a fine innings by the former captain to maintain his very impressive record of a half century on every occasion he's batted on tour.

At 186-4, and with Flintoff and the the tail to come, the West Indies sensed an opening, especially with Flintoff typically not in the mood to hang around as he defied the approach of all the previous batsmen in racing along to 21 from 22 balls before the cricketing brain that is Brian Lara pulled off another master-stroke against the Lancashre all-rounder.

Lara tossed the ball to Dwayne Smith, in an attempt to take the pace off the ball, and although the first ball was put away for 2 runs, the second ended yet another typical Flintoff innings in typical fashion, as he chipped a return catch to the bowler and walked off again having done the hard work in getting in before a rush of blood terminated his stay prematurely.

Still, the runs had eased England into a lead, but Chris Read didn't last long before a fine piece of bowling by Pedro Collins dismissed him leg before wicket for 3 - an outswinger followed by a ball that moved into the Nottinghamshire Wicket-Keeper, and it was suddenly 230-6.

Ashley Giles joined Thorpe as in effect England's last realistic hope of forging ahead, and he played brilliantly in supporting his colleague, the runs gradually coming.

The partnership was frustrating the West Indians as it lasted until the close, and spanned nearly 27 overs in adding 70.

There was even the quite bizarre sight of the batsmen continually declining to take the light offered, such was their confidence and control of the situation.

Finally Lara, who was clearly desperate to leave the field, threw the ball to Best, and immediately the light was offered and taken, England having moved onto 300-6, a lead of 92, with the prospect of more tomorrow if Giles can support the magnificent Thorpe, who is on 81 not out, and will be keen to make his 13th Test Century tomorrow.

A mixed bag from the West Indian bowlers today, as before lunch they were very unlucky not to strike, but another 45 in the extras total will be worrying for Lara.

West Indies 208 (Gayle 62, Jacobs 40, Harmison 6-61)
England 300-6 (Thorpe 81*, Butcher 61, Hussain 58, Best 3-60)

Posted by Marc