England pin hope on recent Windies record

Another defeat for England would give West Indies an unassailable lead in the series and end their nine-year spell of Test series defeats against them.

But there are reasons for England to be hopeful about a reversal from. Barring back-to-back wins over Bangladesh,West Indies have not won consecutive matches in the last 10 years.

England should also recall that West Indies also outplayed South Africa in Port Elizabeth two Decembers ago,and they still lost a four-Test series 2-1.

The visitors also remember that the last time they crumbled in a Test in the Caribbean,when Michael Athertons side were bowled out for 46 at Port of Spain,their predecessors rebounded with a 208-run victory in Barbados which was highlighted by hundreds in each innings from Alec Stewart.

If there were massive divisions in the side,I would be worried,but I do not think there are, England captain Andrew Strauss said. I think there were some quality performances in the first Test,so its not all doom and gloom,but given what happened,we need to get over it.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle admitted that a single Test victory dramatic as it was will not be enough to satisfy his side,let alone their fans,that they have turned the proverbial corner.

West Indies have brought left-handed all-rounder Ryan Hinds and utility player Lendl Simmons into their 14-member squad,while leaving out Xavier Marshall.