Strauss leads charge

BARBADOS, Feb 26: Andrew Strauss capitalised on winning an important toss by leading England’s charge on the first morning of the fourth Test in Barbados. By lunch, he had racked up a fluent 99-ball 71, as he and Alastair Cook added 108 unbroken runs for the first wicket. In a session reminiscent of their first morning’s work in Antigua last week, England’s openers made unhindered progress on a surface that has turned out to be every bit as quick and true as anticipated. The only genuine opportunity offered by either man came when Strauss, on 58 at the time, was badly dropped by Chris Gayle at first slip off the bowling of Fidel Edwards.
By and large, West Indies’ bowlers produced another disciplined display with the ball, finding the right line and length and making England’s openers wait for their scoring opportunities. (Agencies)