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England vs Jamaica Day 2

Wednesday, March 3 2004

England vs Jamaica Day 2

England 320 AND 50-1
Jamaica 281

England are a worried side after their second day of action on this tour. They won't be over-encouraged by the performance of their bowlers, although a certain amount of rustiness is understandable at this stage. But what will really concern them tonight is a freak injury to Mark Butcher. Wandering over to collect the ball on its way back to the bowler, he somehow twisted his ankle and missed most of today's play. X-rays showed no fracture, but the player is rated 50/50 for next week's test.

Their bowlers had a challenging workout in unhelpful conditions and eventually dismissed their hosts to establish a small first innings lead. However, given the inexperience of the Jamaican side, they will be a little worried how hard they had to work for their wickets. Harmison's lack of success - he failed to take a single wicket - is a concern, and he must now be under pressure from Jones if the Welshman can prove his fitness.

Hoggard was unable to add to his two victims from yesterday until he claimed the final wicket. He was slightly wayward, but his ability to swing the new ball could be crucial and, if his confidence has recovered from the horrors of last winter, he may play an important role in this series. Anderson also started unconvincingly, but he eventually found his line and claimed three lower middle order scalps after a fruitless morning session. All three of his victims were caught by Read, who took five catches in the innings.

England's other wicket takers were Flintoff, Giles and, er, Trescothick with one apiece. Flintoff and Giles took the only wickets to fall before lunch after the opening bowlers had failed to make any breakthrough. Quite why Trescothick found himself bowling is anyone's guess, but if he can keep breaking awkward partnerships once the tests start we shall just have to assume that his captain is a tactical genius.

When England batted again, Vaughan dropped down the order and Thorpe opened with Trescothick. The Surrey player made a skittish 18 before being caught behind, which is not quite what he needs at this stage of the tour. Collingwood, who became the tourists' thirteenth player in this game, replaced him.


Posted by David