The West Indies moved into a position of ascendancy during this 5th period of the game. At tea on the 2nd day, they are 231-5, a handy lead already of 52 over England's 1st innings total of 179. Jimmy Adams had played very doggedly for 25 not out, while Ridley Jacobs is 01 not out.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who recently got a century against the Zimbabweans at Arundel, made 73 patient, sometimes adventurous runs, including twelve 4's, before he slashed at a very wide Andy Flintoff delivery about five minutes before the tea interval, Alec Stewart the wicket-keeper diving to his left to take a good catch.

It was such a poor shot that captain Jimmy Adams, with whom Chanderpaul had batted since lunch, put his gloves over his eyes with disappointment. Adams had tried to guide his left-handed partner to realizing that their 5th wicket partnership, which was worth 94 when it ended, could have been much more useful if it was unbeaten at the interval. That was not to be.

This was Chanderpaul's 20th Test half century in only 43 Tests. That is tremendous consistency, but one must also remember that he has only converted two of those 50's to centuries. He batted well, but again failed to take another opportunity to complete a third Test century.

The session between lunch and tea on this 2nd day was perhaps the least exciting period overall so far, as the West Indies are trying to consolidate their position. However, 82 runs have been scored in the two-hour session, so there should be no real complaint. From England's point of view, that wicket of Chanderpaul's just before tea was worth the effort.

So, with all to play for now, the West Indies, at tea, have a useful lead on England's 179. They are 231-5.

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