England duo are praised

England cricket captain Andrew Strauss yesterday paid tribute to the ‘sensible batting’ of Ian Bell and Alastair Cook.

ANDREW STRAUSS paid tribute to Alastair Cook and Ian Bell’s “sensible batting” after the duo both registered half-centuries to help England record a five-wicket win overwest Indies in the first Investec Test at Lord’s yesterday.

The hosts were 10 for two in their pursuit of 191, having lost opener Strauss and nightwatchman James Anderson on Sunday night.

Jonathan Trott edged Kemar Roach to the slips in the sixth over of the day, while Kevin Pietersen was caught behind off Shannon Gabriel to leave England on 57 for four.

Cook and Bell ensured there would be no famous collapse and although the former was dismissed with two runs still needed, Bell guided England to victory much to the relief of captain Strauss.

“I think the wicket was pretty slow and flat and we had a pretty good chance of chasing it down,” he said.

“But you never know with cricket — that’s one of the beauties of the game is the unexpected can sometimes happen and we put ourselves in a bit of a tricky position by losing a couple (of wickets) last night.

“By the time we got to 40-odd for four (sic) it looked a little bit dicey but I still felt the wicket was only going to get flatter.

“I thought Alastair Cook and Ian Bell went about in a very civilised and professional manner and thankfully got us over the line. “It was very sensible batting.” Strauss was also quick to hail the efforts of the tourists, who put up a much more spirited fight than some critics had anticipated.

Left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul struck 87 not out and 91, while his partnership of 157 with Marlon Samuels in the Windies’ second innings frustrated England’s bowling attack.

“It’s been a tough Test match. We’ve had to work very hard for this,” said Strauss.

“West Indies have played some really good cricket. The way Chanderpaul and Samuels batted yesterday made life very difficult for us and we had to dig pretty deep.

“The seamers had to go through a lot of overs to take those wickets but when you have to dig deep it makes it a bit satisfying when you get over the line.”

It was also atest to remember for Strauss, who made his first century in 26 attempts

a run stretching back to November 2010.

“It was lovely to get that hundred and, when you score a hundred in a winning cause, it makes it even more special but there were a lot of good performances in the side so overall we’re pretty happy,” added the left-hander.

“There are always areas we can try and improve and we’ll try and do that in the second Test.”

Picture: PA. Ian Bell raises his bat to mark his half-century.