Duncan Fletcher praised England's experienced players for rallying against West Indies on a rain-hit day. Mark Butcher and Nasser Hussain steered England to 54-2 at stumps on day two after they had slumped to 8-2.
"Everyone has been saying we should kick the old guys out and they're not needed in English cricket," said England coach Fletcher.
"But you have to have a spine of experienced players to show the young guys what it's all about."
The tourists were plunged into early trouble in reply to West Indies' 208 with the dismissals of openers Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick. But Butcher and Hussain put the side back on track before play was again halted by the weather
"Nasser has done this on numerous occasions," Fletcher added.
"He played very well in New Zealand a few years ago on those drop-in wickets that were very green and seamed around. He really enjoys a scrap - that's when he's at his best."
Fletcher also insisted he remains unconcerned about the form of Vaughan and Trescothick, both of whom also had disappointing returns in the first Test in Jamaica.
"We've had some really good platforms to build on in the past, but it doesn't continue forever otherwise it would be a very easy game to play," he said.
"At this stage they're struggling a little bit, but we've had it before and they've always come good.
"They've both got averages in the 40s, they're world class batters and you would be proud to have those figures.
"They are just going through a bit of a period when you get some good balls."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
He really enjoys a scrap - that's when he's at his best 
