England openers hit back

In England8217;s first innings, no one but Andrew Flintoff stood tall. Flintoff struck 13 fours and one six from 224 balls in an undefeated 102 that lasted 5-1/2 hours, as England were dismissed for 285, replying to West Indies first innings total of 751 for five declared. Flintoff remained unflappable, despite being dropped twice before lunch to bring some respectability to the England innings and land his third Test century.

Let-off the previous evening by West Indies captain Brian Lara at slip off Ramnaresh Sarwan, the England all-rounder gained a reprieve when Ricardo Powell floored him on 56 at gully off Pedro Collins, who later failed to hold a return chance when the batsman was on 67.

Brief scores

751-5 decl vs England: 285 and 241-1 M Vaughan 119 n.o., M Trescothick 88