Ravi Bopara stood back from the stampede, and just let his innings flow in the face of some magnificent fast bowling from Fidel Edwards (4/54) on Wednesday to steer England to a respectable 289/7 on the 1st day of the 1st test against West Indies at Lord's, London.
Fidel Edwards is chased by his team-mates after removing Kevin Pietersen first ball, And taking three for nine form 22 balls form the Nursery End in the afternoon session, West Indies in England Test Series 1st Test Played at Lord's, London on 6th May, 2009
There were runs all over the place to be taken and the English pair took the opportunity with full effect, On a placid batting track of Port of Spain, English batsmen put up a total of 546 for the loss of 6 wickets when they declared their innings. All the tactics of Chris Gayle went in vain as the bowlers could not follow the lead. They were very much way-ward. They basically did nothing but hoped for the batsmen to commit a mistake. After last day’s firely spell of Fiddle Edwards, there was actually no effort from the bowling side to win the match for them. Resuming on a overnight score of 268/4, the English batsmen took the attack to the opposition. They never allowed the bowlers to take control over the match.
In Fact the pitch had nothing that the bowlers could have used for themselves. Lionel Baker and leg-spinner Ryan Hinds hardly put any pressure on the batsmen. It was the batsman who committed mistakes and gave their wickets away. Paul Collingwood scored a fantastic century and put up a partnership of 218 with the wicket keeper batsman Matt Prior who scored sublime 131 unbeaten at the end of the innings. Baker was the best bowler for the Windies with 2/77.
When the Windies came to bat, it was all different scenario for the English. They tried hard to put pressure on the batsmen and sneak in some quick wickets to grab the handle of the match. But unfortunately, they were unable to do that as long as Chris Gayle was there. His good stroke-play helped him to reach 49 unbeaten at the end of day 2. The home team was on 92 for the loss of Devon Smith. The only wicket was taken by Monty Panesar.
The 4th Test Match of the England tour of West Indies is scheduled in between West Indies and England today at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on 26 February 2009.
