LONDON, England (CMC) – England batsman Ian Bell has underscored the need to get Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s wicket early on the fourth day as the hosts go in search of a comprehensive victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s today. Chanderpaul was holding up England’s march towards victory at the end of day three yesterday, as West Indies finished on 120 for four, still requiring 35 more runs to make England bat again.
The veteran left-hander was unbeaten on 34 and was involved in a 55-run fifth-wicket partnership with Marlon Samuels on 26.
“We knew we had to work hard, even more so to get Chanderpaul out in that middle order – in the series, let alone in this innings,” said Bell, who stroked 61 yesterday as England were bowled out for 398 in their first innings.
“It would have been nice (to get Chanderpaul out). But it’s Test cricket against the number-one batsman in the world, so we expected him to fight against our attack.”
For the umpteenth time in his decorated career, Chanderpaul was pressed into a rescue mission after West Indies endured a 10-minute period before tea to lose their way.
Cruising at 36 without loss in their second innings, West Indies lost three wickets for no runs off nine deliveries, to stumble to the tea break on 36 for three.
Adrian Barath fell for 24, Kieran Powell made eight while vice-captain Kirk Edwards was run-out without scoring. Adrian Barath made 21 in a 29-run fourth-wicket stand with Chanderpaul before falling.
Bell said England would be looking to make early inroads today, especially with the Windies having little batting to come after the pair at the crease.
“You can always expect Lord’s to get flatter and flatter, never deteriorating. We’re two wickets away now from all-rounders and bowlers,” said Bell.
“We hope there will be good conditions to bowl in tomorrow. I thought we bowled well again (today) but just didn’t quite get the luck we probably deserved. We’ll be nice and patient, and hope to get our rewards.”