Cricket: England ready to put series beyond reach

England's Andrew Strauss cuts a ball from West Indies' Darren Sammy to reach his 100. Photo / Tom Hevezi

England will take an unbeatable lead in their three-match series against the West Indies if they win the second test at Trent Bridge starting today.

England had a five-wicket win in the first test at Lord's, although West Indies did take the match into the fifth day and twice had the hosts wobbling as they pursued a modest target of 191.

But England were only ever one decent partnership away from victory, which came courtesy of Alastair Cook (79) and Ian Bell (63 not out).

Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored 87 not out and 91 at Lord's, but the fact that he came in with the total on 3-86 and then 3-36 was a testament to the failings of the side's top order.

Opener Adrian Barath, Kieran Powell and Kirk Edwards can expect their techniques to be tested again by James Anderson and Stuart Broad, man of the match at Lord's with an 11-wicket haul, at a Trent Bridge ground renowned for aiding swing bowling.

West Indies have won just twice in their past 31 tests and are without a win in 15 tests in England, a run including 13 defeats.

They need someone in the top order to lend more support to Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels, who made 86 in the second innings at Lord's.

The West Indies suffered another setback when fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who took four wickets on debut at Lord's, was subsequently ruled out of the tour with a back injury.

His absence will mean at least one change with fit-again Ravi Rampaul set to come in.

- AAP