Series Defeat Looms Large For England

Trinidad: England lost the wickets of their captain Andrew Strauss, stylish No.3 Owais Shah, and their vice captain Alastair Cook in a dramatic hour and 10 minutes before stumps were drawn on the penultimate day at Queen's Park Oval.

The visitors had earlier gained a lead of just two runs, after Chanderpaul scored his 21st Test hundred, an undefeated 147, and Nash made his maiden Test hundred of 109, as West Indies were dismissed for 544, replying to England's first innings total of 546 for six declared.

Chasing quick runs before the close in a desperate bid for a series-levelling victory, England soon ran into trouble.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle may have a hamstring strain, but he introduced himself to bowl his uncomplicated off-spin after four overs, and held a return catch to dismiss Strauss for 14.

Before lunch, England endured a fruitless toil, as Nash reached his maiden Test hundred and helped West Indies reach 433 for four at the interval.

England began to see signs of a last-ditch effort for victory ebb away, when Nash and Chanderpaul held firm throughout the morning period.

England made up for lost time after lunch, snaring three wickets, including Nash before tea.

But England could not prevent durable left-hander Chanderpaul from adding his name to the list of century-makers in the Test, as West Indies reached 519 for seven at tea.

Brief Score: England 546/6d and 80/3 (Pietersen 34*) lead West Indies 544 (Chanderpaul 133*, Nash 109) by 82 runs.