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Jonathan Agnew column

Jonathan Agnew
By Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent

Graeme Swann and umpire Russell Tiffin
If Panesar and Swann can create some pressure, Strauss will regret burning off both his TV referrals so early

England already know that they have their work cut out if they are to win this Test.

The pitch has shown very few signs of wear and tear - some deliveries have dusted the surface but, crucially, have not behaved alarmingly as a result - and although Shivnarine Chanderpaul has a groin injury, West Indies have gone into this game with an extended batting line up.

They have been determined to draw this match from the outset - their selection gave that away - and, in some ways, you can see why they are desperate to close the game down.

It is 11 years since West Indies last beat England in a series, and six years since they won a series of real value (excluding win against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe) so it would be a great achievement if they were to lift the Wisden Trophy on Tuesday.

However, Chris Gayle's tactics continued to infuriate the watching West Indian commentators and former players to whom the very notion of giving away Test runs is anathema.

Matt Prior and Paul Collingwood feasted on the easy offerings, but Prior's innings did come at a time when England had lost the momentum following the early wickets of Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah.

This is the third time in his nine Test innings that Shah has perished this way, and it should be telling us something.

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Combined with his fidgety presence at the crease and the iron grip on his bat, which appears to be contributing to the cramp in his left hand, he seems nervous and jittery.

A number three must be a calm, controlling character - the man for all circumstances and situations.

Shah has a very good eye but I am afraid I see the 'situation vacant sign' dangling over this crucial position in England's line-up once again.

At least Monty Panesar found himself quickly amongst the wickets again. A thoroughly inauspicious first over ended with a dead straight ball that Devon Smith inexplicably missed.

If Panesar and Graeme Swann can create some pressure - and they look to be England's best hope - captain Strauss will regret burning off both his TV referrals so early.

The main beneficiaries of this system look to be the spin bowlers profiting from lbw decisions, but England have already chosen unwisely twice.

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see also
Strauss gives England fine start
06 Mar 09 |  England
England in West Indies 2009
29 Dec 08 |  England
Jonathan Agnew column
06 Mar 09 |  England


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