Once more England had the resilience to surge to a victory that seemed beyond them, once more the West Indies collapsed...twice really...when victory seemed almost too easy. After England had posted a barely modest total of 243, headed by Trott's 38-ball 47, West Indies got off to a scorching start as Gayle hit 43 off 20 balls before falling leg before to his 21st. It was the start of a slide that saw them look out of it at 5/118. Fist Pollard, and then Russell, backed by a patient innings from Sarwan, took the attack to England.
At 6/222, with the surprising Russell in control and on 49, a mere 22 was needed. However, England's games have always had a sting in this tail in this World Cup, and it was Russell's dismissal that saw the West Indies trip over their own feet. They lost four wickets for three runs, as Tredwell won man of the match honours for his four wickets that included the vital wickets of Gayle and Russell. Swann also took three wickets, and the spinners' success will give England encouragement for the rest of the tournament, although their play is too patchy to imagine they ca go all the way.
Fatigue seems to be a factor, much as Strauss might deny it, as is the mounting injury toll.In the absence of Anderson and Broad, Tremlett and Bresnan bowled 12 wicketless overs for 93 runs. the two spinners and Bopara did enough to bail them out this time. It might not be enough against the likes of India or Sri Lanka, their probable quarter final opponent.
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