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England Complete Pre-Series Matches

Monday, March 8 2004

England's preparation for the First Test match against the West Indies was completed as Simon Jones firmly placed his name into the selectors view with a commanding performance.

Resuming Day 2 at 2/152 the tourists lost Nasser Hussain early on to an innings-high 86. Graham Thorpe showed glimpses of his best form with a polished 55 at number 5.

The English lower order and tail, however, offered little resistance as Ryan Cunningham's finger spinners claimed 3 wickets alongside 3 to reformed paceman Jermaine Lawson.

The English attack again found their line and length early, with Matthew Hoggard snaring 3 early wickets.

Ashley Giles' left arm spinners found their radar early in the spell - his 3/23 suggests he may prove a handful in the Test Series. Simon Jones cleaned up the tail to finish with 3/2.

Kenyan international Kennedy Otieno's 22 was the highest score for the West Indies Vice Chancellor's XI in a dismal display of just 70 - a final victory margin for the tourists of an innings and 85 runs.

Final Scores:

West Indies Vice Chancellor's XI 119 (J Haynes 45; S Harmison 4/19, S Jones 3/40)

England 274 (N Hussain 86, M Vaughan 66, G Thorpe 55; R Cunningham 3/37, J Lawson 3/72)

West Indies Vice Chancellor's XI 70 (S Jones 3/2, M Hoggard 3/10, A Giles 3/22)

England won by an innings and 85 runs.

Posted by Andre