Taylor takes five against MCC

Jerome Taylor took 5-43 for West Indies against an MCC XI, but they were troubled by more injury concerns.

Their opposition, compiled of many university players and led by Sanath Jayasuriya, chose to bat and reached 234-7 by the close.

Despite it being against opposition of a much lower standard than the England line-up, Taylor’s performance will be a confidence booster at the very least. Credit to him, he did dismiss the two players with international experience, Jayasuriya and Ireland’s William Porterfield. He was able to find some swing, and the edge of three bats, as well as an lbw and a bowled.

The other bowlers though, were less successful. Daren Powell went wicketless through twenty overs, and Fidel Edwards returned figures of 1-52. Also given a run in this game was paceman Ravi Rampaul, but he pulled up after just three overs, and will not be available for selection for the Old Trafford Test.

The second injury concern is Chris Gayle, who left the field during his fourth over, with a minor tear to a rib muscle. He will play no further part in the field, though he may bat, and he has not been ruled out of the third Test as of yet.

The top scorer for the MCC was Laurie Evans, with 51 before falling to Taylor. Mali Richards, son of Viv, and Shaaiq Choudhry were the not out batsmen overnight, and will resume on 20 and 45 respectively in the morning.

MCC 234-7
Laurie Evans 51
Jerome Taylor 5-43