Second Test, Riverside (day three, close):
England 569-6 dec v West Indies 94-3
England took command of the second Test after the West Indies closed day three at the Riverside 475 adrift at 94-3. James Anderson struck either side of a rain delay in 3-36 before Ramnaresh Sarwan fired six fours in a defiant 41. After Friday's washout, England resumed at 302-2 and Alastair Cook recorded his maiden Test 150, sharing 84 with Kevin Pietersen who compiled a cameo 49. Matt Prior struck eight fours in 63 and Paul Collingwood hit a 13th Test fifty as England declared at tea on 569-6. LATEST ACTION (ALL TIMES BST)  | 606: DEBATE |
e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Mark Mitchener' in the subject), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word) or use 606. (Not all contributions can be used) 1930: Aggers and Geoff Boycott are limbering up for the TMS Podcast - and after what feels like a marathon day's play, we're going to bid farewell and go off to put on our Eurovision outfits. Thanks for sticking with us throughout all those interruptions today - it's been fun. Pranav Soneji is the man in the live text chair tomorrow, and I hope you'll join him before play starts in the morning.
TMS Podcast Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "This will be the partnership to break for England tomorrow - they can occupy the crease, as Nash can, but there's not much more after that" 1923: BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY
Umpire Davis gets his light meter out again, the batsmen aren't happy, but England don't even get the chance to put a spinner on - they're off. And that will be it for the day. 1922 - WI 94-3
Onions has a man out on the hook for Sarwan - even though a barrage of bouncers might see the umpires offer the light. Sarwan knocks a single off his legs, Chanderpaul looks relieved to get off strike as a single takes him to three. Two overs left. 1917 - WI 92-3
Bresnan strays down the leg side, then Sarwan tickles a two down to third man. The Guyanese pair then scamper three leg byes as Sarwan leg-glances and Cap'n Strauss races back from slip to dive full-length and prevent the boundary. Can't see his opposite number Gayle doing that somehow. Three overs to go tonight. Alec Stewart on TMS: "One of my pet hates is shirts untucked, like Tim Bresnan's is. And the light's murky - if I was batting here, I'd be looking to get off" 1913 - WI 87-3
As the play slowly draws towards a close, Onions hits Sarwan on the pad, but umpire Steve Davis shakes his head. Meanwhile, Alec Stewart on TMS notices Paul Collingwood swinging his arms at second slip - is he going to get a trundle tonight? Onions bowls a bouncer, which is not going to improve England's chances of staying on as the light fades. Maiden over, though. Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "We watch cricket every day of our lives, and that is not 87mph" 1909 - WI 87-3
Having waited nearly three days to get a bat or a bowl, Tim Bresnan finally joins the game. Aggers doubts the veracity of the speed gun, questioning whether Bresnan is really bowling at 87mph, but it's still a maiden over. 1905 - WI 87-3
Vic Marks on TMS sticks up for a fellow off-spinner when he suggests the introduction of Graeme Swann, who bowled three balls to Chanderpaul at Lord's and got him out twice. Meanwhile, Onions strays down the leg side and Sarwan expertly tucks it off his legs for four. Sarwan is then surprised when a bouncer from Onions rears up and strikes him on the ear flap of his helmet. Unbowed, the right-hander nudges a single down to Alastair Cook, who's surprisingly hiding down at long leg. ("That's the Monty Panesar position", notes Vic on TMS). 1900 - WI 82-3
Tim Bresnan, whose participation in this match has been decidedly limited so far, has a bit of a stretch in the field, but it's still Anderson for now, and after a single from Sarwan, Chanderpaul finally troubles the scorers with an off-drive which brings him two. Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "Days like this cause a problem for any terrestrial network looking to show cricket - you never know when it's going to end, that's why Channel 4 brought the start time forward" 1855 - WI 79-3
Chanderpaul is still yet to score, and there's a brief wave of excitement in the slip cordon as "The Crab" plays and misses. Another maiden from Onions. And apologies for those who have been trying the Eurovision scorecard link - it's fixed now. 1850 - WI 79-3
The Guyanese pair look to be digging in for the night here. But Sarwan clips Anderson off his legs, helping the ball down to fine leg for four as he moves on to 34. Jimmy strays with a wide, Sarwan ends the over with a textbook back-foot defensive stroke and many of the crowd have left by now. Ironically, the sun is now shining. From Ivan, revising Schopenhauer's Transcendental Idealism in Bristol, TMS inbox: "Re: Eurovision, the smart money's on Norway tonight. They've got a man who looks about 12, jumping around the stage playing a fake violin, with some gypsy dancers getting all overexcited behind him. It's a lark" 1846 - WI 74-3
Onions isn't showing any signs of making my dream come true (see earlier), but he's been quite tidy so far. Chanderpaul is still yet to score, but they run a couple of byes when he shoulders arms and Prior can't take the ball cleanly. Maiden over. 1842 - WI 72-3
Sarwan is watchful against Anderson - I can't imagine it's easy for the batsmen when they have to keep trudging on and off because of the weather. Just a couple more leg byes from the over. 1837 - WI 70-3
Onions continues his over to Sarwan, who tries to turn him to square leg but they trot through for a leg bye. 1833: We're under way again - a little earlier than planned. 1832: While we wait for play to resume, here's something for you Eurovision fans - your own scorecard to download and print out.
BBC Eurovision: Print your own scorecard From Elyssienne on 606: "As Europeans, I think we prefer to regard Eurovision as a classic example of postmodern irony - much like, I suspect, the West Indians currently regard their cricket"
Join the debate on 606 1822: We're going to start again at 1835, with the Windies resuming on 69-3. 1819: The dark cloud has disappeared behind the castle, there are patches of blue sky and Aggers hopes play may resume soon. From AmsterdamYank on 606: "As an American, I love Eurovision: whenever a European acts superior about our fast-food, Hollywood culture, I have a one-word answer"
Join the debate on 606 1808: Aggers on TMS revealsit's now raining - covers being brought on. From Bent, Denmark, TMS inbox: "You would really think that England need one more before the close to be able to win. If only to keep up the pressure overnight" 1802: Fourth umpire Neil Bainton remains on the field, with a light meter, while the on-field umpires walk off. 1800: Aggers sums things up - although 1800 BST is the "official" close of play, we can add on half-an-hour to make up play lost yesterday, half-an-hour to make up play lost earlier today, and another half-hour if they haven't bowled the requisite number of overs. So they can carry on until 1930 - although if they're not on the field at 1900, they can't start after that. 1759 - BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY - WI 69-3
After the umpires take a look at their light meters, it's Onions to continue for his second over. And it's time for Shivnarine Chanderpaul - Bring On The Crab! He's at the non-striker's end as Onions bowls a bouncer to Sarwan. It's signalled a wide, umpires take another look, offer the light... and they're off again. 1757 - WICKET - Simmons c Strauss b Anderson 8 - WI 68-3
Sarwan plays and misses against Anderson, then pulls a quicker ball for a single between mid-on and mid-wicket. Then, Anderson's persistence is rewarded as Simmons edges a regulation catch to Cap'n Strauss at first slip. From SJDR, Fulham, TMS inbox: "Back To The Future Part II [see 1725] is on ITV2 in less than half an hour. That gives me time to reload the flux capacitor with plutonium and give the DeLorean a quick spin before it starts. Shall we say 1973, Hawaii? I always wanted to meet Elvis Presley" What about Headingley 1981? Or the Bodyline series in 1932/33, to show up how inaccurate that Aussie TV version was?! 1752 - WI 67-2
Rattle those pots and pans, it's Onions time! He gets a cheer from his home crowd, while Simon and Vic on TMS wonder whether his stubbly look constitutes an "embryonic beard". Given his tendency to drop his head just as he bowls, like Anderson, the Windies may think they're seeing double. Sarwan clubs his fourth boundary of the innings, while they run three from a fluent cover drive. From Matt Clemson, TMS inbox: "Why head home for Eurovision? Go straight on into it, let's hear the TMS take on the performances. Might be an interesting change from Norton/Bruce" Not sure what my superiors would think of that, Matt! Who knows, BBC News' entertainment bods may even be planning a text commentary of their own! 1748 - WI 60-2
Graham Onions (see mention of my dream at 1038) is loosening up in the outfield, but for now it's Anderson. After a single from Sarwan, Simmons fluently square-drives for four to open his account. His highest Test score is 24, on his debut against England in Trinidad - in chronological order, his four Test innings before today have been 24, eight, 16 and 21. Another four rounds off the over, this time just past the slips. 1743 - WI 51-2
Sarwan tries to turn Broad off his legs, and profits with four leg byes. He tries a similar shot and they run three to the mid-wicket boundary. Strauss brings in a fourth slip for Simmons, who is still yet to score and sees off the rest of the over unscathed. From Anonymous, via text on 81111: "Am workng in police cell block until midnight! Was mildly disgruntled until you mentioned Eurovision - thanks Mark!" 1738 - WI 44-2
England's fielders are scampering round between overs, in complete contrast to the body language of the West Indian fielders earlier today. But Sarwan is difficult to shift at the crease, square-cutting Anderson for four. A single brings Simmons on strike, there's a half-hearted appeal as he gets an inside edge onto his pad. 1734 - WI 39-2
Sarwan is on the defensive against Broad - just a single from the over. From Marc Humphries, Northampton, TMS inbox: "Just said hello to Devon Malcolm in the Northampton B&Q. He still looks in great shape and he had a few rolls of turf in his trolley..." As he left the store, did he say "you checkout guys are history" or anything? 1730 - WI 38-2
Simon Mann and Alec Stewart on TMS think that lbw shout looked a bit high - it hit the top of Gayle's pad, and he's a tall man. Hawk-Eye thinks it was going way over the stumps. Lendl Simmons is the new batsman, he gets forward well. A wicket maiden. And the TMS crew discover that we can even go on until 1930 BST tonight if the light holds, in order to make up lost time. At this rate, I won't even get home for the Eurovision voting, let alone the songs... 1726 - WICKET - Gayle lbw b Anderson 19 - WI 38-2
Gayle offers no shot to Anderson, it hits his pad, that's got to be close... and it's out! 1725 - WI 38-1
Sarwan drives uppishly at Broad and it sails through point for four. Broad is bowling at 88mph, but I can't think of an appropriate "Back to the Future" gag. 1719: England are ready to roll. But it remains to be seen how much more play we'll see tonight. Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "We'll start at 1725, although there's still some dark cloud over to the left, where the weather is coming from" 1712: Covers are coming off again. From Philip, TMS inbox: "Carole [1700] could have been referring to any of about a million different TV shows" No, she named a specific show - I deleted the mention of the show and the character, to avoid ruining the plotline for anyone else! From Matt, TMS inbox: "Bright sunshine here in Sheffield and the wind is blowing towards Teesside" 1705: Aggers may have spoken too soon - it's raining again and the covers are coming back on. 1703: A tractor is whizzing around the outfield with what looks like a strip of artificial turf attached to the back, which is helping soak up or bring off the rain off the outfield. Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "We're starting in 15 minutes" 1700: Good news - the covers are being taken off. Bad news - the light still isn't brilliant. From Carole in Maidenhead, TMS inbox: "Don't worry about the White House Mark, [name of character deleted] has already saved it in a recent episode of [name of TV show deleted]" Come on, Carole, what did I say earlier about spoilers?! Not everyone has satellite telly! Meanwhile, the full-time results are coming in, in the Premier League relegation battle.
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese 1644: And to add to the bad light, it's now raining as well. Bad times. Ground staff hurry to bring the covers on, and I've found a pic of the "Independence Day" spaceship - let's hope the Riverside pavilion doesn't suffer a similar fate to the White House. 1639 - BAD LIGHT STOPS PLAY - WI 34-1
Power is restored to the Riverside scoreboard just as the Barmy Army find their voice. Ian Bishop on TMS likens the large cloud overhead to the spaceship in the film "Independence Day". Umpires are consulting - surely the Windies will go off if the light is offered. It is - and they do. A few boos ring out. The only bonus is that I get to use my "bad light" graphic. From Carlito, London, via text on 81111: "So am I right in thinking Collywobbles, after today's 'not out', has a Test match average at the Riverside of 193? He should retire now" 1636 - WI 33-1
Simon Mann and Vic on TMS ponder whether England could or should field two spinners. Sarwan gets lucky against Anderson when he gets an inside edge past the stumps, Prior doesn't take it cleanly and they run a single. And there's a horrid big cloud lurking nearby. (I nearly typed "horrid big crowd", which would probably get me excommunicated by Durham CCC). From yorker_129-7 on 606: "Samit Patel has 6-13 in the FP Trophy for Notts against Ireland. Sidebottom wicketless and going at nearly four an over. Worse figures than the mighty Pattinson"
Join the debate on 606 1631 - WI 32-1
Gayle blasts Broad for four past gully, then drives another four through extra cover. He doesn't bother to run - he doesn't have to. From Adam, south of the Riverside, TMS inbox: "The feline barometer [see 1145] has just scampered back in again, seconds before the skies here went black and the rain began. Looks like this one will be a longer interruption to her afternoon hunting" 1626 - WI 24-1
New batsman is Ramnaresh Sarwan, who made batting something of an art form against England in the Caribbean but made only 13 and one at Lord's. He's immediately off the mark with a smartly off-driven four, then steers a couple through point. Vic Marks on TMS: "That's a typical Devon Smith innings - a couple of eye-catching strokes and then his stumps are disturbed" 1621 - WICKET - Smith b Anderson 7 - WI 18-1
Colly gives the ball a good shine before returning it to Anderson - who cleans up Smith's off stump with the first ball of the over! 1619 - WI 18-0
After another single from Smith, Gayle rocks back to hoist Broad for a first-bounce four through mid-wicket. It's four more for the Windies skipper when he square-cuts another loose delivery. From Chris Cooper, TMS inbox: "(Re: 1516) Personally, I think you should take every opportunity to spoil people given certain people's reactions to reading that Dirsy wanted to watch the Apprentice unspoiled. Shame on them"
The Apprentice homepage - watch the last episode on iPlayer 1615 - WI 9-0
Smith works Jimmy for another single to fine leg. Cap'n Gayle is then rapped on the pad, there's a stifled appeal as the ball pitched well outside leg stump. The skipper delicately jabs one off his legs and they run two. 1611 - WI 6-0
The fair-haired Stuart Broad takes the second over, Gayle dabs a single into the off side but some good backing-up by Tim Bresnan from Ravi Bopara's throw saves any overthrows. Smith knocks a single to fine leg and confusingly for Tony Cozier, the Chester-le-Street scoreboard is still stuck with England on 549... 1606 - WI 4-0
Unusually, Gayle decides not to take strike to James Anderson's first over, giving his partner Devon Smith first go. He gets the Windies under way with a four through the covers. From Nigeweir on 606: "The West Indies are in total disarray, led by a captain does not even like Test cricket. Pathetic, embarrassing and disgraceful team who can't bowl, can't catch and can hardly bat. Sir Viv, Holding, and many more must be crying their eyes out watching these weak individuals"
Join the debate on 606 1601: England take the field. So, can they make early inroads? Can Chris Gayle shake off everyone's impression that he'd rather be anywhere but at this game? And more importantly, will my dream last night about Graham Onions taking a big haul of wickets (see 1038) come true? From Brad, via text on 81111: "Am I right in thinking that England haven't lost 20 wickets in a match at all in 2009? Is that some kind of record?" The only time was the "51 all out" Test in Jamaica in February, Brad. From Big Rich (getting ready for his stag do), TMS inbox: "Is Big Chris grumpy because he can't take up wayward Steve on his offer of a seat at St James Park today?" 1550: And just as I dare to leave my desk for a minute - England have declared. TEA INTERVAL 1544: We're going to take a quick break - listen to TMS where they're speaking to the author of a new biography of KP. 1543 - Eng 569-6
Last over before tea. Colly tries his "reverse dink to third man" again and runs two more to third man. The TMS crew wondered earlier whether he learned it at the IPL - seeing as he was otherwise a highly-paid drinks waiter for his team. After running another two more, Colly aims another big heave, did it touch the bat? Ramdin couldn't hold on to it in any event. After Colly blasts two more through the covers, Simmons even tries a bouncer - at 75mph - and Colly pulls it for a single to leg. Suddenly, the wind blows the bails off at both ends. Simmons tries another bouncer which is called as an aerial wide, then Broad nicks a four down to third man - and tea is taken. 1538 - Eng 557-6
As Broad cover-drives Benn for four, coats are donned and umbrellas unfurled around the ground - rain is in the air. Broad steers a well-run two to long-on. It's David Shepherd time again - 555! The Windies follow their captain's example, and are rather languid in the field as England scamper every possible run. The light isn't good at this stage, either - can't see the Windies agreeing to bat in this. 1535 - Eng 549-6
Collingwood reaches 50 with a single, to the warm applause of his home crowd, left-hander Broad rotates the strike and Colly then heaves a single to deep backward square leg. Broad tries to give it the long handle again, but picks out a fielder and can only get one. Colly takes an enormous swing and misses. When he does connect, it skies high over the bowler's head but they are fortunate enough to take two. Aggers on TMS laments the lack of dynamism from Windies captain Chris Gayle, who really doesn't look interested. 1532 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 543-6
Colly jabs Benn for a single which takes him to 49, then the big Bajan is out of luck again as Broad smacks a hard caught-and-bowled chance back to him, but he can't hold on. Broad rubs Benn's nose in it even more, by opening his shoulders and heaving him over long-on for a huge six! 1528 - Eng 536-6
Colly tries an unorthodox turn-the-face scoop down to third man and they run two. Then when he attempts the same shot, he has to duck away from a slow beamer from Simmons - probably the slowest beamer ever bowled in Test cricket. Nevertheless, a no-ball is signalled and Simmons is warned by umpire Asoka de Silva. Colly and Broad milk Simmons for ones and twos - this is now the highest first-class total ever made at the Riverside. 1524 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 528-6
Broad steers a single to long-off as the singles start to flow, then Colly gets a life when he hoists Benn high into the sky at deep extra cover, Brendan Nash tries to take the catch over his shoulder but it seems to go straight through his hands. Big Benn looks furious. From ex-pat John Dolan, Chicago, USA, TMS inbox: "In five-day Test cricket when rain washes out play such as on Friday... how do they make up the hours lost in the game as a whole?" I'm not sure of the exact regulations (which may change from series to series), but they can try to make up time over the next few days. Aggers says they can go on until 1900 BST tonight. 1520 - Eng 521-6
Colly singles off Simmons, Broad off-drives for two to the cover sweeper before turning a single off his legs. Colly reaches 39 with a well-run two. Speculation rages over whether their declaration target is a certain number of runs or a time limit. 1516 - Eng 516-6
Stuart Broad replaces Prior, but presumably England will continue to press on. Colly defends a good ball from Benn. Just three singles from the over as Broad is off the mark. And being as cryptic as possible to avoid spoilers, there's just been what could be a very important goal affecting the relegation shake-up in the Premier League... check out Miss Cheese's live text if you're interested, but avoid temptation if you want to watch Match of the Day tonight unspoilt!
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese 1512 - WICKET - Prior c Benn b Simmons 63 - Eng 513-6
Cap'n Gayle consults with a couple of lieutenants about a bowling change - and the result is Lendl Simmons being introduced with his right-arm medium pace. He took 0-24 from nine overs yesterday. Prior aims a big village-style heave but gets an edge down to fine leg for one. There are six men on the boundary, even for Colly, and he manages a single to mid-on. Prior then tries to force the pace, but picks out that lone fielder at mid-on - Simmons has his first Test wicket. 1507 - Eng 509-5
Prior nudges Benn off his legs for two, then delicately sweeps for two more. A single takes him to 60 off 80 balls. 1504 - Eng 504-5
England captain Andrew Strauss and team director Andy Flower have been sat up on the balcony in their matching tracksuits, but no sign of any declaration activity, although a 12th man looks set to run on with some fresh gloves and a message. A well-run two keeps Prior's score ticking over, and the 12th man comes on - he doesn't even make any attempt to hand the gloves over! Meanwhile, Simon Mann on TMS reports that tea will now be at 1540 BST, not 1610 - although this means the last session could be up to three hours long! Bring your dinner. 1459 - Eng 501-5
Benn continues to wheel away, Prior turns a single to short fine leg. Colly then cuts loose, hoisting Benn over mid-on for four to take his side past 500. That's one hand on the Wisden Trophy, at least? 1457 - Eng 496-5
Prior, on 46, faces Baker. He's more watchful than KP when within sight of a half century, eventually dabbing a careful four between the slips and gully to reach 50 from 66 balls. That's his eighth half century in Tests. The landmark achieved, he turns a single off his legs to pinch the strike. 1453 - Eng 491-5
Sarwan's bowling cameo is ended as Benn returns to the attack, while some of the crowd are getting a little restless as the liquid refreshment they've been supping all day starts to take effect. Just two singles from the over. 1450 - Eng 489-5
Colly nudges Baker for two to take him to 27, then works a single to backward square leg. From DevonFrattonIser on 606: "England to let Colly get to 67 and then declare, leaving him with a Test average of 200 at the Riverside!"
Join the debate on 606 Tony Cozier on TMS: "Ramdin's been outstanding in many series, but he's having a bad match - that was the sort of catch you'd expect a Test keeper to take" 1443 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 486-5
With Benn off the field, we're going to see the rarely-seen leg-spin of Ramnaresh Sarwan, who bowled a bit more in his younger days but is more of a declaration bowler or an over-rate bowler for the Windies these days. He has 23 Test wickets at 50.26 - but the only two occasions he's taken more than two wickets in an innings were in the same match, when he took 3-59 and 4-37 against Bangladesh in May 2004. The batsmen take singles at will - then yet again, Ramdin puts another catch down - a bottom edge which he can't hold on to. A hard chance, but one he should have taken. Prior then opens out by brutally clubbing Sarwan past mid-on for four. Drinks are taken - the extended session, to make up some of the time lost yesterday, means we won't take tea until 1610 BST. 1439 - Eng 479-5
Colly steers Baker for a single past gully, then Prior lifts him over the slips for his fifth four of the innings - suddenly, he has 40, and must be sensing some easy runs here. From Mike, TMS inbox: "I think they do still have those jokes on sticks ice creams [see 1406]. Whether the West Indies are in the mood for humour however is an entirely different matter" 1435 - Eng 474-5
While Aggers on TMS accuses Vic Marks of "absolute blind panic" when Christmas shopping on the subcontinent, Benn strays with a wide, then floats in a slow long-hop which Prior somehow misses. Benn still seems to be limping slightly, and leaves the field at the end of the over. From RJW, Bath, TMS inbox: "Do you think Gayle might be playing for a slow over-rate? With his noted disdain for the longer form of the game, a cheeky ban now would give him more time to play Twenty20. Hmmm, time to put my conspiracy hat on" 1431 - Eng 473-5
Prior confidently steers Baker for two, while Aggers reveals he'll be speaking to the author of a new biography of Kevin Pietersen during the tea interval. Prior then hits the ball safely back to Baker, who feels the need to hurl the ball at the stumps - and it ricochets off the stumps, and past Ramdin for four! Somehow, Prior has a four from hitting a forward defensive... A single brings up the fifty stand, then Baker gets a glimmer of outswing but Colly lifts him over the slips for four. A better over for England. 1427 - Eng 462-5
Benn is hobbling somewhat after chasing another Colly single. England keep pushing the singles, and my match-report colleague Jamie Lillywhite notes that the Windies can't afford to lose Benn, given their slow over-rate when he's not bowling. 1424 - Eng 458-5
Prior slices Baker safely to third man for a single, while Aggers on TMS reveals he had a "mild" road rage incident this morning involving a green Jaguar - which turned out to be driven by ex-umpire Dickie Bird! Colly nudges another single - this stand is worth 39. 1421 - Eng 456-5
Big Benn gives it plenty of air against Colly, who waits for the bad ball - spanking a short and wide delivery through backward point for four. I can reveal that Colly has a first-class average of 34.55 on this, his home ground, with seven hundreds and 15 fifties. His Test average at the Riverside is an unlikely 133, boosted by scoring 128 (and five not out) against the Windies in 2007. 1417 - Eng 450-5
Prior turns a full delivery off his legs and the England pair scamper a well-run three. He has 24 and has overtaken Colly, who moves to nine with a single. Windies captain Chris Gayle has his hands in his pocket at slip, and gives off the air of a man who really doesn't want to be there. Another rapid two from Prior brings England to the 450 mark. 1413 - Eng 444-5
Prior carefully leg-glances Benn for a single as England reach 444 - David Shepherd would be proud. Benn's one short of his century - he has 2-99. From flyinginabluedream on 606: "I always get the impression that Pietersen responds to the opposition, this match is now somewhat subdued and KP tried to push on from that"
Join the debate on 606 1410 - Eng 443-5
Alec Stewart on TMS estimates the ground is "80% full" as Colly shoulders arms to Baker. The singles start to flow, then Prior finds the gap between second slip and fully for four more. 1406 - Eng 435-5
Prior tries to sweep Benn without success, but has better luck when he iopens the face and runs the lanky left-arm twirler down to third man for four. From Mike, TMS inbox: "Gayle certainly strikes me as more of a Solero man [see 1300]. More calypso Caribbean flavour" Do they still sell ice lollies that have a joke on the stick, for which you find out the punchline when you finish the lolly? 1403 - Eng 431-5
Colly prods Baker for another single, then Prior is off the mark with a firm square cut for four. Baker, not having learned his lesson, slings in another ball which is equally short and wide, and Prior repeats the shot with the same outcome. When the off-side field is reinforced, Prior tries for a third boundary but has to make do with a single. From yorker_129-7 on 606: "Pietersen - when he's good, he's very, very good. When he's bad, he skies it"
Join the debate on 606 1359 - Eng 421-5
Colly walks down the track and is deceived by Benn, but there's another fumble by Ramdin when there was a chance of a stumping. They run a bye. It's really not Ramdin's day. 1356 - Eng 420-5
Colly tucks Baker off his legs for a single, while Tony Cozier on TMS notes that Baker's West Indies call-up late last year prevented him joining Leicestershire for this season (on a UK passport). Alec Stewart on TMS: "This may just slow down England's thought process about declaring either side of tea, as we've got two new batsmen in" 1351 - Eng 419-5
New batsman is wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who sees off the last ball of Benn's over. 1349 - WICKET - Pietersen c Simmons b Benn 49 - Eng 419-5
Benn tosses the ball from hand to hand before floating one in to Pietersen, who runs a quick single. Keeper Ramdin scampers to the short mid-wicket area, his throw to the striker's end is just wide - Colly would have been out if it had hit. So far, this is a game to forget for Ramdin. Colly jabs a single off his legs, then KP, on 49, takes a swing and skies a catch into the hands of backward point. 1346 - Eng 417-4
Gayle takes a break after that taxing two-over spell before lunch, so we get our first look at Lionel Baker's right-arm fast-medium today. The first international cricketer from Montserrat raps Paul Collingwood on the pad, stifling an appeal as the ball looked to be going down leg. But Colly is off the mark when he steers a four through the covers. From John, Amersham, TMS inbox: "Surely someone with a bit of artistic talent could make an amusing drawing of a hand with its fingers made of butter. This could be the ideal pictogram for a dropped catch" 1342 - Eng 412-4
It's Sulieman Benn to continue his duel with Kevin Pietersen. There's just one slip in, and just a single from the over - a quiet start by England after the interval. From Andy, via text on 81111: "Just seen the pictures from above the ground for the first time, the grass design is so intricate that I believe we may have had an overnight crop circle phenomenon. Do we think it's aliens or drunken cider-drinking yokels visiting from the west country?" 1338: Aggers bids farewell to Theo Fennell after an entertaining chat on TMS (hey, anyone who references Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie in an interview gets my support) - the players are walking back out. From Buster, Sussex, TMS inbox: "Dreams (see 1038) are a blend of conscious and subconscious thoughts. So on the surface, you are thinking about cricket, but deep deep down, you are thinking about cricket... personally I think that's a sign of a man really taking care about his job. Also, could you keep any football scores far, far away?! I am a big fan, but watch MOTD, and despite the news' best efforts, I try to not find out the score so I can sit down with my dad in the evenings and have good prediction-related banter!" I'll do you a deal, Buster (seeing as I used to read your comic, along with Whizzer & Chips) - I'll keep linking to the football, so those who wish to find out can do so, but will exercise caution in the matter of "spoilers"!
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese 1331: While we're waiting for play to resume, if you didn't head the chat about Andrew Flintoff's injury progress before play today, you can read the full story on the BBC Sport website...
REPORT: Flintoff in Twenty20 fitness race From Alan, TMS inbox: "I'm listening/reading in Derby (where it rained off the Friends Provident Trophy match yesterday, pitch inspection at 6pm and a huge rain shower started about 5.58pm) - at this rate, what are the chances of the extras getting above 100?" LUNCH INTERVAL 1300 - Eng 411-4
KP dabs his pal Gayle for a single, and Colly negotiates the remainder of the session. That's lunch, folks - see you in a while. Take a look at the football if you want to.
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese From RIP Culture on 606: "I think the attitude of some of the Windies players is a bit unprofessional to be honest. Even if you really can't be bothered, at least try and pretend to be. Some of them look like it is a knock around in the park. I am expecting Gayle to nip off and get everyone a cornetto" 1257 - Eng 410-4
England reject the chance to send in a "lunch watchman" - and send Paul Collingwood in to negotiate the eight or so deliveries before lunch. The Durham man is on his home ground, and sees off the rest of Benn's over - we should have time for one more. From Victoria (also disgruntled at revising instead of being at the cricket), TMS inbox: "The voting won't be the same without Terry Wogan - he's the only reason I watch Eurovision"
BBC NEWS REPORT: Eurovision acts poised for final 1255 - WICKET - Cook c Gayle b Benn 160 - Eng 410-4
Cook hangs his bat out to chop Benn past the slips for four. Then, the Windies finally hold on to a catch as Cook spoons one up to short cover. Gayle hardly have to move - and although 160's a good score, Cook looks angry that he didn't go on to get a really big score. 1253 - Eng 406-3
Edwards finally gets a rest after bowling for nearly two hours - Windies skipper Chris Gayle is going to have a twirl with his right-arm off-spin. As usual, he's virtually walking in off two or three paces - possibly the slowest off-spinner I've ever seen since the days when Hampshire would occasionally give Kippy Smith an over before lunch. KP turns a single round the corner, then a misfield allows Cook a single to point. From Dermot Wickham, TMS inbox: "Windies over rate 10.2/hour. No surprise no-one wants to watch Test cricket" 1250 - Eng 404-3
Big Benn, a gold necklace flapping outside his sweater, tosses one up to Cook who flashes and misses as he tries to steer the ball to third man. Maiden over. And judging by the "oohs" and "aahs" coming from the other end of our office, the Manchester United-Arsenal game has started.
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese 1247 - Eng 404-3
Edwards' marathon spell continues, Cook keeps the score ticking with a single and we're less than 15 minutes from lunch. A firm off-drive from Pietersen brings the former skipper four more through mid-off, and takes England past 400. Another flashing drive, the other side of the wicket, takes him to 44. Former Somerset and England off-spinner Vic Marks on TMS: "With no declaration imminent, I think we can safely say that England will avoid defeat and regain the Wisden Trophy. Even if it's a home win, 1-0, anyone who's ever been to Ashton Gate will settle for that!" 1242 - Eng 395-3
KP sweeps and misses against Benn, then repeats the stroke and is struck on the pad outside the line of off stump. He eventually pinches a cheeky single - his first run for 15 deliveries, notes TMS scorer Malcolm Ashton. Cook is more confident now, chopping a single down to third man. From Andrew, TMS inbox: "Re: your dream (1038), a couple of nights ago I dreamt that I watched Everton Weekes score 565 - now I'm too young to have ever seen Everton Weekes bat, so obviously this must have been a premonition" 1240 - Eng 393-3
Edwards will carry on, this time to Cook, who brutally pulls him for two through mid-wicket. Another quiet over. From TD, TMS inbox: "My wife is currently in labour, still at home waiting like a Puppet on a String for the Boom-Bang-a-Bang and then a chorus of Congratulations... This cricket commentary may keep me sane in the few hours I have ahead" 1235 - Eng 391-3
Cook drives Big Benn for a single, while KP remains uncharacteristically watchful against the slow left-armer. From QPRJames79 on 606: "19 byes and two dropped catches - blimey, if that was Prior, he'd be getting all kinds of abuse"
Join the debate on 606 1232 - Eng 390-3
It's still Edwards, who's been bowling all morning but seemed to reserve his most hostile spell for night-watchman Anderson. Cook is now the third highest Test run-scorer in 2009, 13 behind his captain Andrew Strauss and 56 behind Ramnaresh Sarwan. KP, as if sensing Edwards is nearly out of gas, lets a maiden go by. From John, TMS inbox: "Mark, what you call a sleeveless sweater [1145] used to be known as a slipover, which sounds a lot more cricket-like" 1228 - Eng 390-3
Ramdin is having a nightmare here - Benn gets one to go through, flicking off Cook's pad, but Ramdin yet again can't hold on. I might have to get the "butter" picture out for him at this rate. After an exchange of singles, Cook finally reaches his 150 (from 314 balls with 16 fours), to warm applause, with a single to leg. From Russell Hewitson, TMS inbox: "Just starting to rain over here in South Shields - not sure if it's the brief shower you've just had!" As a lifelong southerner, my knowledge of north-east geography is hopeless, Russell, so I couldn't tell you either way. 1224 - Eng 386-3
Two more byes against Ramdin's name, while Tony Cozier hits back at his supposed lack of navigation skills by revealing how the great Sir Viv Richards got him lost in Manchester once. However, he does applaud the invention of SatNav. Cook chips a no-ball off his legs and they run a single. KP gets an edge... but it's high over Big Benn at gully, and sails away for four. BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew on TMS: "I made the mistake of following Tony Cozier out of breakfast yesterday, and we ended up lost in a part of the hotel neither of us had ever seen before" 1219 - Eng 378-3
Mystic Mitch strikes again, as we do have a change of bowling - it's time for some spin from the gangly left-armer Sulieman Benn. The fifty stand arrives as Cook advances down the track and hoists Benn to the mid-wicket boundary for three. From Anonymous, via text on 81111: "Bet KP wishes he'd batted like this in South Africa!" 1215 - Eng 375-3
Edwards goes round the wicket to Cook, but another off-drive brings the Essex opener a single. KP flicks one off his legs for another four, and Edwards looks utterly miserable. Pietersen takes two past a couple of despairing dives from the cover fielders. Time for a change of bowling? From Mike at work in Canterbury, TMS inbox: "For a dropped catch, surely a picture of a flapping Monty Panesar would keep us entertained on a sure-to-be rain-interrupted day of cricket?!" Bit harsh on the Montster? He fielded well in the last Test in Trinidad, and I can't recall the last time I actually saw him put a catch down. 1210 - Eng 368-3
After a perfectly-timed drinks break/Shipping Forecast (depending on where you're listening to TMS), Taylor resumes... by bowling a no-ball. A beautiful cover-driven four from Cook takes him to 142 - that's his highest score in Test cricket. Well done Cookie. He keeps the strike with a single. From Ed (sat at his desk), TMS inbox: "Who is less interested in playing Test cricket for a living, Steve Harmison or Chris Gayle?" 1202 - Eng 362-3
Cook clips Edwards off his legs for two, then a single takes him to 138 - one short of his Test best. Pietersen smashes another four, and the West Indian drinks waiter - possibly Darren Sammy - trudges on. Not very enthusiastically. From WiStAhM on 606: "Edwards back down to 84mph now two real batsmen are in. Being treated like the pie-thrower he is! Give us some more pies Fiddy!"
Join the debate on 606 1157 - Eng 355-3
Cook is watchful against Taylor, eventually forcing a single through backward point. Alec Stewart (while admitting his Surrey bias) reveals how he thought Sylvester Clarke was the fastest bowler he ever saw, and was absolutely petrified about standing at short leg when the big West Indian was bowling. That's the 100th over. From John Starbuck, Huddersfield, TMS inbox: "Mark, I forecast that the winner of tonight's Eurovision will be the side that copes best with the conditions. On the evidence of the semi-finals, an ability to handle the wind machine looked like a deciding factor" To be honest, I don't normally watch the songs, just the voting - which is invariably more entertaining. 1152 - Eng 354-3
A single from Cook is warmly applauded, probably because it brings KP back on strike. He tips-and-runs a quick single to Lionel Baker at mid-on, Cook pulls a shorter delivery to square leg and they run another. A fluent straight-drive from Pietersen brings four more, and this stand is worth 27 in no time at all. Edwards makes it 28 by overstepping again - he is responsible for 13 of the 25 no-balls conceded in this innings. Meanwhile, in the crowd, hats are being donned and more brollies are going up... Alec Stewart on TMS: "Without wanting to give Kevin Pietersen a commentator's curse, he's come out looking a million dollars. Every shot has hit the middle of the bat" From Pickles91 on 606: "I felt sorry for Edwards in the first Test when his fielders were awful, then he overcelebrates getting a number 11 out. He should be ashamed of himself"
Join the debate on 606 1145 - Eng 346-3
Slight drizzle, the umpires consult... and we're going to carry on for the time being. KP firmly steers Taylor (who's wearing one of these new-style sleeveless "sweaters") for four through square leg. Another overpitched delivery is punched for four past wide mid-on. Taylor wipes the ball with a towel, but it'll pick up more moisture as the next delivery flies down the leg side for four more byes. A productive over for England, this. KP then straight-drives, and it's another four! From Adam, TMS inbox: "I'm 10 miles south of Chester-le-Street and my cat's just come flying through the catflap, shaking off the rain. Not looking promising, for the cricket or the litter tray" 1139 - Eng 330-3
Well, that showed the under-rated art of bowling fast and straight at tail-end batsmen - something a few international bowlers could learn from. The new batsman is Kevin Pietersen - his first ball is a bouncer, which he ducks, but then he's off the mark with a two off his legs. Yet another no-ball extends Fidel's over, and KP takes a single. Definitely rain in the air, and more than a few brollies up. From Lloyd on Tiree, TMS inbox: "I can see KP delivering a quick Boom-Bang-a-Bang of a 70-ball hundred before the declaration at tea" 1134 - WICKET - Anderson b Edwards 14 - Eng 326-3
Some umbrellas in evidence as Edwards charges in to Anderson, with a 7-2 off-side field, but Jimmy finds the gap by forcing a short, wide delivery past gully for four. Alec Stewart on TMS even likens the shot to David Gower - high praise indeed. But any thought of a Goweresque cameo is ended as Edwards bowls him off his pads with the next delivery. 1131 - Eng 322-2
Cook plays and misses against Taylor who sends down a maiden over - it's still overcast at the Riverside. Meanwhile, if you want to monitor the build-up to today's football, do take a look at Caroline Cheese's live text elsewhere on the BBC Sport website.
Live text - Premier League, with Caroline Cheese From feelthesteviegforce on 606: "Mark, I have a suggestion for dropped catches! How about a picture of a block of butter!"
Join the debate on 606 Like this one? 1127 - Eng 322-2
Cook tucks a single off his legs to move on to 132 - seven short of his highest Test score of 139 not out, in Barbados earlier this year. Anderson then edges straight to Lendl Simmons at third slip... off a no-ball! More chuntering from Edwards, who seems to reserve his fastest deliveries for the night-watchman. From Chris, thoroughly annoyed about sitting in Durham Uni library instead of being at the Test, TMS inbox: "I am no expert in dream analysis, but I think your dream [1038] may mean that Chris Gayle gives up Test cricket altogether, throws his armband at an unsuspecting West Indian and scarpers as quickly as possible" 1120 - Eng 320-2
Anderson is having plenty of the strike early doors, swishing and missing at Taylor before dabbing a single to cover. Cook, as if to say "look, I'm the established batsman here", pinches the strike with a single off the first ball. From Roger in Denmark, TMS inbox: "Re: 1042, Fred and IPL. How can the authorities stop individual players chasing fast bucks when they set such a bad example? I refer to Stanford and the abysmal timing of Test matches in May. The whole structure of cricket these days is based on finance regardless of other considerations. I cannot help but think of the shining examples set by our beloved MPs: do as we say, not as we do" Ooh, bit of politics there... 1115 - DROPPED CATCH - Eng 318-2
There are plenty of fans wrapped up for cold weather in the stands, including a group dressed as Mexican bandidos with false moustaches. Edwards slings a wide one down the leg side which disappears for four byes, before banging in a bouncer over Anderson's head. Another one down leg is dropped by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, did Jimmy get a touch? It seemed to hit the glove, and Ramdin really should have taken it - let's be fair, if it was Matt Prior, he'd get criticised for spilling that one. Anderson flips a single off his legs, and the "Burnley Express" exchanges some "chat" with Edwards. 1111 - Eng 313-2
Jerome Taylor takes the second over of the day, and immediately has night-watchman James Anderson playing and missing. Aggers already senses the onset of rain, and reveals he will be speaking to "jeweller to the stars" and cricket fan Theo Fennell at the lunch interval. Anderson rocks back and chips Taylor over gully for four, but then gets an ugly bottom edge past the stumps for a single. From Angus in sunny Guernsey, TMS inbox: "Morning Mark. Not too sure why Boycs was chuntering on about Durham being unsuitable for a Test in May with his 'it's cold up north' comments. Would have been washed out yesterday down here as well. Some biblical amounts of rain" 1105 - Eng 308-2
Alastair Cook fences at Fidel Edwards' first couple of deliveries, while Vic Marks takes the summariser's seat on TMS and in response to Jonathan Agnew, insists "I'm not just a blogger - I'm an integrated 24/7 journalist". Cook fluently square-cuts a wide one from Edwards through point for four. Edwards then sends down a couple of no-balls, while Aggers suspects there is a thief at his hotel who steals his morning newspaper from outside his room each day - and dismisses suggestions that the room is in a "corridor of uncertainty". 1058: West Indies emerge for a Michael Vaughan-style "huddle", to the strains of "Jerusalem" over the PA, followed by England centurion Alastair Cook and nightwatchman James Anderson - who extended his Test record of 48 innings without ever having been out for "nil points" on Thursday. Here we go. Former England skipper Alec Stewart on TMS: "Andrew Flintoff's body is falling to bits - all we seem to talk about are his injuries. I wonder whether we'll see an announcement after the Ashes that he might pack in Test cricket to concentrate on 50-over and Twenty20 cricket" From Jen Oram, TMS inbox: "So, does it make sense to play Tests in places so remote they don't even have their own weather forecasts?" 1055: Ottis adds that there will be "no point in rushing Flintoff back if he's not fit" - wise words which England selectors in the past might have heeded better. We're nearly ready to roll here. So, it's Congratulations to Ravi Bopara for his run of three centuries - have West Indies met their Waterloo? And if you're an England selector, how close are you to Making Your Mind Up about the team for the Ashes? From Mick in Tunbridge Wells, TMS inbox: "Any truth in the rumour that Chris Gayle has been searching for a sponsor to pay to get him out of bed for Test matches? England to win by tea tomorrow" England bowling coach Ottis Gibson on TMS: "Graeme Swann has been up to all sorts of things in the dressing-room when there's no play, such as pulling people's pants down or cutting holes in their socks" 1047: WEATHER NEWS - the BBC weather centre doesn't expect a total washout today, but apparently we could be on and off a few times for showers. From from_the_stands on 606: "I hope England score a quick 100 runs, declare, then roll the West Indies twice to win, giving them a false sense of hope against the Aussies!"
Join the debate on 606 1042: Meanwhile, the latest word on the street about Andrew Flintoff's injury suggests that he may be struggling to be fit in time for the World Twenty20 next month, as he has not yet started running after returning home early from the Indian Premier League to have knee surgery. "I'd love to play in the Twenty20 - but that might be too tight," Fred is quoted as saying. Cue a large debate about the rights and the wrongs about letting him play in the IPL... 1038: I'm sure cleverer people than me can tell you all sorts of things about what dreams mean. Last night, I dreamt I saw England seamer Graham Onions running through the West Indies batsmen and celebrating a big haul of wickets on this, his home ground. A premonition? Or a sign that I need to get a life and need to start thinking about something other than cricket? 1030: Morning, everyone. After a complete washout on Friday, England and West Indies will try again today, with England resuming on 302-2. I'm sure you'll all want to know what the weather's like... and the BBC online forecast for Chester-le-Street (well, actually for Sunderland, which is the nearest one available) says sunny at 1000, light rain shower at 1300, sunny intervals for the rest of the day. We should start on time.
BBC weather forecast But I digress. It's the start of another big day - Manchester United could clinch the Premier League title this lunchtime, and there's a busy football programme this afternoon, especially for all the teams battling to stay out of the "doomed" bottom three. Then, for the egg-chasers, Leicester face London Irish at Twickers in rugby union's Premiership final - and then it's Eurovision tonight! What more could you wish for?
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