CRICKET:Graeme Swann claimed the prize wicket of West Indies captain Chris Gayle as England pushed for victory in the third Test at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
Off-spinner Swann, who claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in the first innings, trapped the aggressive Gayle leg before wicket for the second dismissal of three in the evening session.
West Indies were 96 for three late on the fourth day, having been set an improbable 503-run victory target.
Fast bowler Steve Harmison made the first inroad when he pinned Devon Smith back against his stumps from around the wicket.
Swann followed that up by outfoxing Gayle in the flight, to defeat an attempted sweep five overs later.
England were then gifted a third success when Ryan Hinds tamely chipped a delivery from Stuart Broad straight to mid-on.
Earlier, captain Andrew Strauss called off the run charge as soon as his team’s lead went beyond the 500 mark.
Opener Alastair Cook weighed in with his second half-century of the match while Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen also committed themselves to a dash for quick runs after lunch on the fourth day.
The mid-afternoon declaration therefore gave the England attack four and a half sessions to dismiss the hosts and lock the series at 1-1.
Never has a side chased a score in excess of 500 to win a Test match, although the record pursuit was recorded on this very ground by West Indies six years ago when they made 418 for seven to defeat Australia.
England’s chances will no doubt revolve around all-rounder Andrew Flintoff’s ability to bowl in his usual menacing mode.
The 31-year-old awoke with stiffness in his right hip yesterday and although the medical team initially downplayed its significance, he nevertheless had an anti-inflammatory injection to address the troublesome area.
He managed a three-over burst from the pavilion end this evening but was down on his pace in comparison to the first innings when he claimed three for 47 with some controlled hostility.