Harmison wrecks promising start for WI

By Jon Steer
March 19 2004

Steve Harmison took three wickets in eight deliveries before lunch to reduce the West Indies from 100-0 to 110-3 in the first session of the second test. Openers Gayle and Smith were going well before Harmison struck to remove both of them and captain Brian Lara inside two overs.

The morning began badly for England when Michael Vaughan lost the toss and the Windies chose to bat. Although both openers found scoring difficult against Harmison, luck seemed to be with them as they put on an aggressive partnership of 100 in 24 overs.

Then everything changed with the return of Steve Harmison for his second spell of the morning. Bowling from the opposite end than his first spell, the change made all the difference.

With the fourth ball of the spell Harmy had top scorer of the morning Gayle caught behind for 62. Then first ball of his next over Smith was caught plumb lbw and was on his way for 35.

Four balls later West Indies captain and legend Brian Lara playing on his home ground was on his way back to the dressing rooms without scoring. A short ball from Harmy took the shoulder of the bat and came off Lara's helmet before being caught by Ashley Giles.

Lunch on the first day and West Indies are 110-3. A much better position for England than looked possible less than two overs earlier!