Sunday, February 8, 2009

West Indies beat England by innings, 23 runs


KINGSTON: England slumped to a humiliating defeat by an innings and 23 runs after being skittled for 51 by West Indies on the fourth day of the first test on Saturday.Jerome Taylor ripped the heart out of England, a superb spell of pace bowling earning figures of five for 11 at Sabina Park, while spinner Sulieman Benn took four for 31.Andrew Flintoff was the only batsman to make double figures, hitting 24 as the visitors were routed for their third lowest total. West Indies had not beaten England in their last 16 meetings going back to a victory at Edgbaston in 2000. After the home team were bowled out for 392 in their first innings, securing a lead of 74 runs, England slid to 11 for two at lunch with Alastair Cook and Ian Bell the men out.Taylor, watched by triple Olympic champion and 100 metres world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica, produced a 'Lightning Bolt' of his own by removing Kevin Pietersen for one with a classic delivery. The fast bowler produced late out swing to bowl Pietersen as he attempted to hit the ball through mid-wicket. Next to go was England captain Andrew Strauss, who edged another excellent delivery from Taylor to keeper Denesh Ramdin. With the crowd anticipating a famous victory, on-fire Taylor also bowled Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior to leave England reeling. Slow left armer Benn, who had earlier dismissed Bell, took his second wicket when Broad was caught by Xavier Marshall at short leg. Benn then trapped Ryan Sidebottom LBW before Flintoff, who had provided some sort of resistance, was clean bowled by Fidel Edwards. Spinner Benn, who also took four wickets in the first innings, finished England off when he bowled Steve Harmison to prompt wild celebrations from the Jamaican crowd. It was sweet revenge for West Indies, who were bowled out for 47 by England the last time the teams met at this venue and Strauss's men have plenty to think about ahead of next week's second test in Antigua

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