Can Windies defy England?

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Cricket

Wednesday, 18 February 2009 19:39

By Ian Magic Hughes

The West Indies are staring at a loss in the second Test match against England at the Antigua Recreation Grounds, finishing day four on 143 for three, chasing an insurmountable 503 for victory.
Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul are at the crease, not out on 47 and 18 respectively.
Barring rain, forecast at a 40 per cent chance on Thursday, it will take all the Windies' resolve to even gain a draw.

West Indies hold the record for the most runs scored in a fourth innings to win a Test, 418/7 against Australia here in 2003.

This time around, a win is unlikely, but don't count out the home team. Against Australia, they seemed not to have a chance, but were able to pull through miraculously. Survival will obviously be the watchword for the Windies, especially the two at the crease overnight.

Sarwan is in fine form and Chaderpaul is desperately in need of a huge total. To defy England, the home team will have to deal with an unpredictable pitch.

The day started slowly, with opener Alistair Cook and night watchman James Anderson sorting out their way on the prospect pitch.

Anderson, dropped by a lethargic Gail in the slip off the bowling of Fidel Edwards, finally went for 20 off Daren Powell.
Owais Shaw, looking to impress team management and the England fans, wasted no time in displaying his intentions, hitting Powell over midwicket for six.

Another attempted lofty shot missed the ball, and Shaw lost his middle stump to Powell.

Kevin Piertesen struggled with his timing, and after surviving a chance, caught and bowled by Sulieman Benn on a no ball, never settled with his switch hitting.
Wickets fell rapidly for England, but some power hitting by Paul Collingwood and later Steve Harmison and Matt Prior got England over the 500-run lead.
They declared at 221/8 to take the total to 502.

Devon Smith and Captain Chris Gal got the home team off to a relatively good start, but on 46, following some lofty hitting, Gayle was given LBW to follow Smith into the pavilion via the same route.

Ryan Hinds did not last long, and in the end, the home team was left in a difficult position.
Day five will be an extremely interesting one, with England faced with injuries to Andrew Flintoff, but looking for victory to level the series 1-1, with Barbados waiting next week.

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