Fidel's 5-fer Lifts W.I Spirits

Wed, Nov 5, '03

On a day when the West Indies learnt that Jerome Taylor's back injury ruled him out of the rest of the innings, and possibly the match, Fidel Edwards turned in a manful bowling performance (5 for 133 from 34.3 overs) to brighten an otherwise gloomy Test match against Zimbabwe.

Edwards, the slinging right-arm pacer from Barbados, charged in gamely to provide Brian Lara with a wicket-taker on a day when Zimbabwe's batsmen dug in and scored runs at will.

Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak made full use of the friendly batting conditions to register his maiden Test century (127 with 12 fours) and partner with all-rounder Andy Blignaut (91) for a record eighth-wicket stand of 168.

Besides Edwards, no other West Indian bowler could cut through the Zimbabwe lower order as Streak took control. There was one early sparkle for the visitors when Tatenda Taibu, resuming on 75, scored just eight before Edwards induced a forced drive that took the inside edge before crashing into the stumps.

At 314 for seven, Brian Lara's men must have been hoping for a quick end to the Zimbabwean innings but Streak and Blignaut quickly shattered the visitors' spirits. The post-Lunch session was particularly painful for the West Indians as Lara went defensive and the batsmen decided to milk the bowling and set a national eight-wicket record.

Blignaut would finally succumb to a diving catch by Chris Gayle off Vasbert Drakes for 91 but, by then, the score was 482-8 and the West Indies appeared to be going through the motions. Edwards had Raymond Price lbw for 2 and the resignation came soon after with Zimbabwe on 507 for nine.

The West Indies faced 16 balls in fading light before a light drizzle chased them off the field for good. Chris Gayle was not out on six and Wavell Hinds was not yet off the mark.

DAY TWO FINAL SCORE:
Zimbabwe 507 for nine declared (Heath Streak 127, Andy Blignaut 91, Tatenda Taibu 83; Fidel Edwards 5-133). West Indies 11 without loss.

* DAY ONE: Windies Bowlers Sleepwalk