England wrap up series

Cricket : England swept to a convincing 3-0 series victory over West Indies after significant contributions from Monty Panesar…

Cricket: England swept to a convincing 3-0 series victory over West Indies after significant contributions from Monty Panesar and Steve Harmison helped clinch a seven-wicket win in the fourth and final test.

Harmison shrugged off concerns over his fitness to deliver a marathon spell of fast bowling, delivering his best performance in almost a year despite being diagnosed with a hernia problem.

Left-arm spinner Panesar was once again the most productive bowler and finished with five for 46 as the tourists collapsed to 222 all out to leave a modest victory target of 110, which England cruised to in only 21.3 overs.

But new coach Peter Moores would be forgiven for savouring the display of Harmison as the most significant for England's chances of further success later this summer in three tests against India.

READ MORE

Harmison bowled an unbroken 12-over spell after lunch to finally break the tourists' resistance, claiming two for 53 and showing the pace, hostility and consistency which England have lacked previously in the series.

The only slight doubt for England is how much longer they can count on his fitness after being pencilled in for a possible operation if his hernia problem is aggravated further.