STRAUSS' CENTURY MAKES WINDIES TOIL

STRAUSS' CENTURY MAKES WINDIES TOIL

 

Sunday, February 15 – Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua & Barbuda: England captain Andrew Strauss hit a fluent 169 here Sunday as the West Indies were made to toil on a typically batsman-friendly pitch at the resurrected Antigua Recreation Ground.

 

At close on the first day of the third Digicel Test, the visitors reached 301-3, cheered on by 6,000 English supporters who swamped the handfuls of local fans.

 

Strauss, who hit 24 fours and one six off 278 balls, anchored the England effort with fine support from half centuries from Alastair Cook (52) and Owais Shah (57).

 

West Indies captain Chris Gayle, who won the toss, claimed one for 35 while Fidel Edwards struck late with the second new ball to earn one for 41.

 

There was a delayed start to the match, just long enough to renew painful memories of Friday's abandonment of the second Digicel Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

 

This time, however, it was wet run-ups caused by overnight and early morning rain that stalled progress but bright sunshine soon arrived to help ease any concerns.

 

Strauss began positively as the pitch, widely predicted to help the bowlers due to the ground staff's short notice, showed all the old characteristics of the ARG's batting-dominated past.

 

Despite his assured stroke-play, there were a few early worries for skipper Strauss. He was nine when Daren Powell had an opportunity to run him out but missed from square leg while, three short of a half century, Gayle dropped a sharp chance at slip off Sulieman Benn.

 

Strauss and Cook lunched at 58 without loss and stretched their fifth century opening stand to 123 before Gayle claimed the breakthrough.

 

Cook, who hit five fours off 134 balls, tried to cut an arm ball and deflected to slip where Devon Smith pouced a fine low catch after a bit of juggling.

 

Any West Indian optimism was soon doused by Strauss and his Middlesex team-mate Shah in an enterprising stand of 153 for the second wicket.

 

Strauss brought up his second century against the West Indies, off 167 balls, half hour before tea.

 

The right-hander Shah pushed onto his half century after the break as England threatened total domination.

 

Shah gifted West Indies his wicket midway through the final session, seeking a suicidal single and run out by Jerome Taylor on his follow through.

 

The 30-year-old hit eight fours and a six off 100 deliveries.

 

Strauss, who batted for ten minutes short of six hours, seemed set to see his side to the close but Edwards but removed him with the second new ball. The batsman miscued a pull for Edwards himself to grasp on his follow through.

 

Kevin Pietersen, eight not out, and night-watchman James Anderson, three not out, survived to the end.