England in for test of nerve and character

Sometimes it is a delight to be proved wrong. Before this series, many of us had assumed that it would require a minor miracle for West Indies to win. Yes, their recent performances had shown signs of promise. Yes, cricket is a gloriously unpredictable game. And yes, England endured a chastening winter. But West Indies have not won an overseas series, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe aside, since 1995. They are missing some of their top players. They have won only eight out of their last 80 Tests, while England, striving to retain their No.1 ranking, have an excellent record in their own conditions. It was hard to be wildly optimistic.

But West Indies have played some fine cricket. They are not the finished article - few teams ever attain that - but, after some truly miserable years, they have given their supporters renewed reason for pride, for joy and for hope. Few, be they from Bridgetown, Brisbane or Birmingham, will resent that. If this proves to be another step on West Indies' journey back towards the top of world cricket, then the game will be all the richer for it.

Let us not get ahead of ourselves. This match is not over. The pitch remains flat and, with Graeme Swann now coming in at No.11, England's batting line-up is deep. West Indies have flattered to deceive a few times of late and they may yet rue the absence of a frontline spinner. But whatever happens on the final day - and the fact that either side could still win is a joy in itself - West Indies have shown they are progressing. On a ground on which England have won five of their last six Tests (and drawn the other), the tourists have proved they are a force with which to be reckoned.

If West Indies do go on to win - and whatever happens, they should take encouragement from this performance - it will prove a cruel result for Stuart Broad. After claiming seven wickets in the first innings, Broad claimed four more in the second to claim his first 10-wicket match. He may yet have a role to play in winning this Test with the bat, but there is little more he could have done to win it with the ball.

It is one of the enduring ironies of a team game that individual excellence is often celebrated more than team success. In years to come when tour parties are shown around Lord's, they will see the honours board and conclude that Broad's performance must have been head and shoulders above that of his colleagues.

	While England have come a long way since the debacle of Jamaica in 2009 it is worth noting that five of England's top seven here also played in that game

It is not entirely true. Broad, who became the first England bowler to claim ten wickets in a match here since Ian Botham in 1978, certainly bowled well. But he did not bowl so much better than James Anderson. Not eight wickets in the match better, anyway. Anderson beat the bat as often as anyone and, by conceding fewer than two an over, maintained pressure throughout. Tim Bresnan, too, who conceded 100 for the first time in his Test career, bowled somewhat better than his figures suggested, while Swann claimed the two key wickets - Darren Bravo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul - on a pitch offering him little. The truth is that England bowled as a unit and, on this occasion, Broad reaped the rewards.

It is, however, worth reflecting on Broad's progress over the last ten months or so. Before July 2011, Broad possessed a modest Test bowling record, with 107 wickets at an average of 36.25. Since then, he has claimed 51 wickets at 17.27. He is finally developing into the bowler his talent always suggested he could be. He is still only 25, too.

The improvement is not coincidental. Broad has learned his trade and matured. Where once he would respond to adversity with a barrage of short balls and an outburst of temper, he has learned that it is smarter to maintain a fuller length and continue probing around the top of off stump. He has always been able to move the ball in the air and off the pitch; he has always gained bounce. It is just that he now knows how to use those weapons. His best delivery is probably no better than it ever has been. It is just that he bowls it more often with fewer poor deliveries in between. He is still some way from becoming the Glenn McGrath style bowler to which he aspires but he is heading in the right direction. Indeed, McGrath's bowling average on his 26th birthday - 27.01 - is perhaps closer to Broad's - 30.12 - than might be expected. The best could still be ahead of him.

The fourth day offered a reminder of how Test cricket used to be. With the run rate struggling to climb over two-and-a-half an over and the England attack struggling to gain the movement we have come to expect from them, they were instead obliged to rely on the timeless virtues of discipline, control and patience.

Perhaps England could have bowled just a little straighter to Chanderpaul; perhaps they could have bowled just a little fuller to Marlon Samuels, but these are carping criticisms. They bowled well on a pitch offering little assistance. West Indies just batted admirably.

This was another impressive performance from the tourists. While Chanderpaul's defiance was no surprise - what else would you expect from him? - the contributions of Samuels, Denesh Ramdin and Darren Sammy were less anticipated. They may yet come to rue the run-outs they suffered in both innings and the ninth-wicket stand between Swann and Ian Bell, but the margins between these sides are not nearly as large as the Test rankings might suggest.

The pressure is now on England's shoulders. An England side that was bowled out for 72 when chasing 145 less than four months ago. The pitch at Lord's tends to remain true but, if England win, it will be the fourth largest run chase in a Test at Lord's. And, while England have come a long way since the debacle of Jamaica in 2009 when they were bowled out for 51, it is worth noting that five of England's top seven here also played in that game. Their nerve and their character will be tested on day five

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Roach blows hurt England in pursuit of 191

Six minutes before tea on the fourth day, Shivnarine Chanderpaul finally cracked. Another Test innings of monumental patience ended when he swept at Graeme Swann and Marais Erasmus raised his finger for the lbw decision that England begged. Even then Chanderpaul made them wait, and the Lord's crowd with them, as he called for a review, but technology granted no clemency: the ball was shown to be striking leg stump.

The result of his painstaking resistance was a victory target for England of 191, a dominant position certainly, but not an impregnable one. That much was made painfully apparent for England in an awkward four overs batting in murky light in which Andrew Strauss and the nightwatchman James Anderson both succumbed to Kemar Roach, whose mini-burst would have had great West Indies fast bowlers of old purring in appreciation.

Strauss, a first-innings century-maker, succumbed for a single as he edged Roach to Kieran Powell, the finer of two gullies. Roach hit 90mph and Anderson was caught at the wicket, the ball brushing his glove and Anderson deciding, quite rightly, that a review would be untoward now that Sky's high-quality cameras have brought new efficiency to Hot Spot - a message here for the ICC. It could have been worse for England if Jonathan Trott had fallen first ball; Aleem Dar turned down an lbw appeal, West Indies appealed to DRS, but Trott had got millimetres outside the line.

Chanderpaul's birthing pains have set up a great finale. He batted for nearly ten-and-a-half hours in this match. He followed an unbeaten 87 in the first innings with 91 second time around before his laborious resistance, characterised by furtive flicks into the leg side, was finally broken. It was an innings so introspective that it turned all those who watched it into introverts, increasingly wrapped up in their own thoughts as they respectfully observed an innings of rare discipline.

It was not solely about Chanderpaul because alongside him Marlon Samuels summoned one of his most disciplined Test displays, 86 from 172 balls, as West Indies resisted with great dedication. Chanderpaul's placid refusal to quit communicated itself to his partner, who can rarely have batted so judiciously for his country.

Until the grand climax, it was a largely monotonous day, decidedly chilly, too, with a brisk northerly wind. If this abysmal weather continues much longer egg-and-bacon overcoats will be de rigueur in London NW8. But it was a day from which West Indies could draw pride. With their resistance at its height, a couple of players ventured on to the balcony to convey their support for an immensely worthy innings and wore white towels over their heads. If Chanderpaul had batted much longer England's bowlers would soon have been looking for white flags.

Smart stats Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored a half-century in both innings. It is the eighth instance of a West Indian batsman making two fifty-plus scores in a Lord's Test. Chanderpaul remains the only batsman to do so twice (2004 and 2012). Chanderpaul was dismissed in the nineties for the fourth occasion. There have been two other occasions when he has remained not out in the nineties. Four other West Indian batsmen have been dismissed more often than Chanderpaul in the nineties. This is Marlon Samuels' 14th half-century in Tests to go with two centuries. The 86 is, however, his highest score against England The 157-run stand between Samuels and Chanderpaul is joint-seventh on the list of top fifth-wicket stands for West Indies against England. It is the highest fifth-wicket stand for West Indies at Lord's. Stuart Broad became the 8th England bowler to pick up 11 or more wickets in a match against West Indies. Broad's performance is the third-best by an England bowler against West Indies in Lord's Tests. For only the tenth time against top teams (excluding Bangladesh and Zimbabwe), West Indies managed to score over 300 in their second innings. It is their highest second-innings score in England in the same period. Since 1990, England have failed to chase sub-200targets on only three occasions. None of them is in home Tests but one defeat (1994) came against West Indies in Trinidad when they were bowled out for 46 chasing 194.

At the start of play, West Indies trailed by 35 with six wickets intact and forecasts abounded that the game would be up by lunchtime. But the pitch remained slow, it was too cold to swing, and England were again faced with the problem of how on earth to rid themselves of Chanderpaul's silent resistance. Shiv was Shiv, engaged in an extensive exercise in problem solving. His fifty came in 151 balls and three-and-three-quarter hours as he inside-edged Bresnan past leg stump. It was one of his few errors. He raised his bat as if disgusted with himself.

They began by bowling wide at him, as they had on Saturday, the repetitive cricket causing spectators to bury themselves dejectedly into their overcoats. When they were driven into bowling straighter, Chanderpaul routinely worked them behind square. England might have been better posting a leg gully, anything to suggest that the shot had an element of risk. They were reluctant to bowl fuller with the old ball because there was no movement but as Chanderpaul was as likely to sing a song as drive down the ground their reluctance was hard to fathom.

There was always the chance of a run-out because Chanderpaul is so immersed in his own game that he is often oblivious to the needs of his partner. He might have been run out by Kevin Pietersen's underarm flick from short mid wicket on 38 when Samuels wanted a single. On another time he ambled halfway down the pitch on the assumption of a single to mid-off and had to retreat quickly. His offended glare at Samuels at least found some use for the anti-reflective war paint below his eyes. He did not say anything: like most introverts, he deals in non-verbal cues.

Alongside Chanderpaul, Samuels grew in authority. The lesson about how to construct a Test innings, and fight for your team, was seeping in. He was struck on the shoulder by a short ball from Broad and concluded that it was time to adopt a more aggressive approach, pulling him thunderously through midwicket. England will remain convinced that he is shaky on the short ball.

The second new ball, due one over into the afternoon session, was not the panacea for which England had hoped - but it did account for Samuels. They took it gratefully at 212 for 4, after suffering a wicketless morning, and it was into its sixth over when Stuart Broad had Samuels caught at second slip. It ended a fifth-wicket stand of 157 runs in 54 overs and Broad puffed out his cheeks in relief. The afternoon session leaked only 53 runs in 28 overs, grim fare indeed.

England's seamers had little luck on a pitch that became a little livelier as the day progressed, more reason for West Indies optimism. Tim Bresnan, previously an economical but unthreatening third seamer, found seam movement, Broad occasionally flogged life from a sedate surface and with Anderson also passing the edge at regular intervals without reward, England's frustration became increasingly evident.

After Chanderpaul became the sixth wicket to fall, the Test shifted tempo. West Indies added a further 84 in 25 overs with Darren Sammy, the antithesis of Chanderpaul, providing a freewheeling 37 from 47 balls and taking a particular liking to Bresnan, who he struck for four boundaries in eight balls.

Sammy fell, though, to an outrageous carve, high above his head, at Broad who also had Kemar Roach caught at backward point to finish with match figures of 11 for 163. Denesh Ramdin's resistance ended when Anderson removed his off stump and Shannon Gabriel was bowled, slogging at Swann. England, on the ropes at the close, will have been grateful he did not get out 20 minutes earlier

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Lancashire lose Junaid's services

Lancashire have suffered a blow ahead of their Friends Life t20 campaign after they confirmed Junaid Khan, the Pakistan left-arm quick bowler, would not take up his deal with the club due to international commitments.

Junaid has been named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against Sri Lanka which coincides with the FLt20 and will now not link up with countryman Yasir Arafat who is Lancashire's other overseas player for the tournament.

Junaid made a positive impression with Lancashire last season where he took 12 wickets in eight t20 matches with an economy rate of six per over, although was not available for Finals Day when Lancashire went out in a semi-final super over against Leicestershire.

He is one of a number of international players who have had to withdraw from county contracts in recent weeks including Peter Siddle, Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Johnso

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England finally shift Chanderpaul

Six minutes before tea on the fourth day, Shivnarine Chanderpaul finally cracked. Another Test innings of monumental patience ended when he swept at Graeme Swann and Marais Erasmus raised his finger for the lbw decision that England begged. Even then he made them wait, and the Lord's crowd with them, as he called for a review, but technology granted no clemency: the ball was shown to be striking leg stump.

It had been an innings so introspective that it turned all those who watched it into introverts, increasingly wrapped up in their own thoughts as they respectfully observed an innings of rare discipline. The afternoon session leaked only 53 runs in 28 overs, grim fare indeed. At tea, it looked unlikely to spare the West Indies: they led by 110 runs with only four wickets remaining. But in a situation where saving the game was the only thing on their mind his dedication had commanded respect.

Chanderpaul has batted for nearly ten-and-a-half hours in this match, his progress so painstaking that his 26th Test century still eluded him. He followed an unbeaten 87 in the first innings with 91 second time around before his laborious resistance, characterised by furtive flicks into the leg side, was finally broken.

It was not solely about Chanderpaul because alongside him Marlon Samuels summoned one of his most disciplined Test displays, 86 from 172 balls, as West Indies resisted with great dedication. Chanderpaul's placid refusal to quit seemed to have influenced his partner, who produced what flashes of entertainment there were for a patient crowd and who can rarely have batted so judiciously for his country.

It was a monotonous day, decidedly chilly, too, with a brisk northerly wind. If this abysmal weather continues much longer egg-and-bacon overcoats will be de rigueur in London NW8. As for the West Indies players, those who ventured onto the balcony to convey their support for an immensely worthy innings wore white towels over their heads. If Shiv had batted much longer England's bowlers would soon have been looking for white flags.

The second new ball, due one over into the afternoon session, was not the panacea for which England had hoped - but it did account for Samuels. They took it gratefully at 212 for 4, after suffering a wicketless morning, and it was into its sixth over when Stuart Broad had Samuels caught at second slip. It ended a fifth-wicket stand of 157 runs in 54 overs and Broad puffed out his cheeks in relief.

Tim Bresnan, previously an economical but unthreatening third seamer, then produced his most insistent spell of the match, without reward. Broad occasionally flogged life from a sedate surface and with James Anderson also passing the edge at regular intervals without reward, England's frustration became increasingly evident. It was left to Swann to summon a random bit of magic.

At the start of play, West Indies trailed by 35 and forecasts abounded that the game would be up by lunchtime. But the pitch remained slow, it was too cold to swing, and England were again faced with the problem of how on earth to rid themselves of Chanderpaul's silent resistance. Shiv was Shiv, engaged in an extensive exercise in problem solving. His fifty came in 151 balls and three-and-threequarter hours as he inside-edged Bresnan past leg stump. It was one of his few errors. He raised his bat as if disgusted with himself.

They began by bowling wide at him, as they had on Saturday, the repetitive cricket causing spectators to bury themselves dejectedly into their overcoats. When they were driven into bowling straighter, Chanderpaul routinely worked them behind square. England might have been better posting a leg gully, anything to suggest that the shot had an element of risk.

Broad found Samuels' edge; Anderson found Chanderpaul's, but on both occasions the ball fell short of slip. They were reluctant to bowl fuller because there was no movement but as Chanderpaul was as likely to sing a song as drive down the ground their reluctance was hard to fathom. They spent much of the morning trying to get the ball changed, to no avail.

There was always the chance of a run out because Chanderpaul is so immersed in his own game that he is often oblivious to the needs of his partner. He might have been run out by Kevin Pietersen's underarm flick from short mid wicket on 38 when Samuels wanted a single. On another time he ambled halfway down the pitch on the assumption of a single to mid-off and had to retreat as his thought processes were not shared by Samuels. He looked hurt by the thought that he might have been run out and his glare at least found some use for the anti-reflective war paint below his eyes. He did not say anything: like most introverts, he deals in non verbal cues.

Alongside Chanderpaul, Samuels grew in authority. The lesson about how to construct a Test innings, and fight for your team, was seeping in. He was struck on the shoulder by a short ball from Broad and concluded that it was time to adopt a more aggressive approach, pulling him thunderously through midwicket. England will remain convinced that he is shaky on the short ball. Swann's introduction was even more to his liking

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PCB chief invited to IPL final

The BCCI has invited Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf to watch the IPL final to be played in Chennai on May 27. Ashraf confirmed that he received the invitation from the Indian board a few days ago.

"I see the invitation as another positive step forward in further normalising bilateral cricket ties between the two countries," Ashraf said. "The invitation will allow me to undertake a two-day visit to India and I plan to use this visit to have informal discussions with the Indian board officials regarding enhancing chances of restoring bilateral cricket ties."

Recently, the BCCI had announced that it had no objection to the participation of Pakistan T20 title-holders Sialkot Stallions in this year's Champions League Twenty20 tournament, a move welcomed by the PCB.

"We want to play India regularly in bilateral matches and we are willing to talk to them at every level to achieve this," Ashraf said. "I will be speaking to them on this when I go to India."

The PCB had been pushing for the inclusion of a side from Pakistan, the only major Test-playing nation to not have had teams in the CLT20 since its inception. Sialkot were invited to the inaugural edition of the tournament towards the end of 2008, but it was put off after the terror attacks in Mumbai in November that year.

Those attacks strained political relations between India and Pakistan and, subsequently, bilateral cricketing ties between the two countries were severed. Pakistan players - with the exception of Azhar Mahmood (who also has a British passport) this year - have not been a part of the IPL since. 

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RCB crash out, Chennai through Play offs

Dale Steyn's first three overs and Virat Kohli's rush of blood, to name a few. Steyn was unplayable with figures of 4-0-8-3, but crucially, he found support from the slower bowlers. Amit Mishra took two in an over to set Royal Challengers back and Ashish Reddy frustrated the batsmen with slower balls in the final stages.  Gayle tried to make room by moving towards leg and bottom edged another fast short ball on to his stumps. Steyn then had Tillakaratne Dilshan lbw in his next over, and Royal Challengers were 40 for 2 when Saurabh Tiwary retired hurt after straining a hamstring in the sixth.

An overthrow that cost six runs was the only major blip on an unusually good day in the field for Chargers. Duminy's leaping catch at short cover to get rid of AB de Villiers was an example of their improvement. The tension was palpable in the Royal Challengers camp as de Villiers walked back, because their tail began at No.7.

Tiwary returned in the tenth over after Mishra's double-strike. He and Kohli kept Royal Challengers in the hunt during their brisk stand of 46, which came at 7.45 runs an over. The plan seemed to be to knock off as many as possible before Steyn returned for his final over. Kohli swung Ashish Reddy over long-on but a repeat of that shot the following ball found the fielder. A furious Kohli swung his bat at thin air in frustration.

Only two boundaries were scored in the Powerplay overs, which produced just 23 runs. By the end of the tenth over, the score was an underwhelming 47 for 3. Duminy, who began watchfully, hit the first of his five sixes when he heaved R Vinay Kumar over long-on in the 16th over. He hit three more in a single over from Muttiah Muralitharan, which cost 20. His knock was valuable in getting Chargers to a middling total on a slow pitch. It turned out to be enough 

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Steyn, Duminy help Deccan knock out RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore imploded in their most crucial match of the season and failed to qualify for the playoffs after choking in a low-scoring chase. Their defeat in Hyderabad allowed Chennai Super Kings to hang on to fourth spot at the end of the league stage.

Deccan Chargers scratched to 132 on a slow pitch, but their bowlers and fielders lifted the gloom of their campaign with a performance that brought the tournament's most intimidating batting line-up to its knees. Chargers, who spent most of the season languishing at the bottom, left Pune Warriors holding the wooden spoon and moved to eighth spot.

The game was Royal Challengers' to lose. A target of 133 should not have been too daunting for their top heavy batting line-up. The chase had several turning points - Chris Gayle's dismissal, Dale Steyn's first three overs and Virat Kohli's rush of blood, to name a few. Steyn was unplayable with figures of 4-0-8-3, but crucially, he found support from the slower bowlers. Amit Mishra took two in an over to set Royal Challengers back and Ashish Reddy frustrated the batsmen with slower balls in the final stages.

Gayle has largely determined Royal Challengers' fortunes this season, by combining big hits with longevity at the crease. He has, on occasion, started sedately before embarking on a boundary barrage. Today Gayle batted as though he was determined to finish in ten overs, pounding 24 in Manpreet Gony's first over, the second of the innings.

In the third, Gayle had to face Steyn, bowling at serious pace. After ducking under a short ball aimed at his head, Gayle tried to make room by moving towards leg and bottom edged another fast short ball on to his stumps. Steyn then had Tillakaratne Dilshan lbw in his next over, and Royal Challengers were 40 for 2 when Saurabh Tiwary retired hurt after straining a hamstring in the sixth.

An overthrow that cost six runs was the only major blip on an unusually good day in the field for Chargers. Duminy's leaping catch at short cover to get rid of AB de Villiers was an example of their improvement. The tension was palpable in the Royal Challengers camp as de Villiers walked back, because their tail began at No.7.

Tiwary returned in the tenth over after Mishra's double-strike. He and Kohli kept Royal Challengers in the hunt during their brisk stand of 46, which came at 7.45 runs an over. The plan seemed to be to knock off as many as possible before Steyn returned for his final over. Kohli swung Ashish Reddy over long-on but a repeat of that shot the following ball found the fielder. A furious Kohli swung his bat at thin air in frustration.

Steyn returned to knock down Zaheer Khan's middle stump to round off another dream spell. The game was all but sealed for Chargers as the asking rate proved too demanding for Royal Challengers' tail. Kohli sat at the dug out with his pads on, hands on his face, wondering what could have been.

Besides Steyn, Chargers had another South African to thank - JP Duminy. The two-paced pitch produced attritional cricket and Chargers struggled to score at six an over. Duminy did his best to compensate for the failures of his other overseas colleagues with a late surge, pounding five sixes in an aggressive half-century.

Only two boundaries were scored in the Powerplay overs, which produced just 23 runs. By the end of the tenth over, the score was an underwhelming 47 for 3. Duminy, who began watchfully, hit the first of his five sixes when he heaved R Vinay Kumar over long-on in the 16th over. He hit three more in a single over from Muttiah Muralitharan, which cost 20. His knock was valuable in getting Chargers to a middling total on a slow pitch. It turned out to be enough. 

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PCB to confirm Australia series venue next week

 

Malaysia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are among the countries Pakistan are considering as options to host their limited-overs series against Australia in August. The series was set to be held in Sri Lanka, but SLC pulled out last week due to a clash in the series schedule with the first season of the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL). The PCB said that a final decision on the venue will be taken within a week.

"It was indeed a setback to our plans when Sri Lanka pulled out," Intikhab Alam, PCB director international cricket, told reporters in Lahore. "But they have their own reasons and we have no problem with it however and have been searching for alternatives. Malaysia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the options we have marked. A decision will be taken within next one week."

In March this year, the SLC had agreed in principle to host the series. At that time, there had been no decision on the SLPL. The proposed first season of the league had been cancelled last year and it was only earlier this month that a new deal was signed by the Sri Lanka board to hold the SLPL this August.

Pakistan and Australia are due to play five ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals against each other. The original plan was to play just one Twenty20, but with the World T20 immediately after the series, the countries' boards have agreed to play two extra matches.

Pakistan have had to play their home series in neutral venues since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009. While the United Arab Emirates has been Pakistan's usual "home" venue since then, the venue was ruled out due to the extreme heat and the month of Ramzan.

Pakistan's last home series against Australia was played in England, in the summer of 2010, after which they have hosted all their home series, including one against Sri Lanka and England, in the UAE

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