Burst of new life breaks deadlock

THE superhuman - indeed supernatural - talent of Brian Lara yet again shook a mundane Test back to life at The Oval yesterday.

This was a match that both captains, by their approaches, appeared to have quickly committed to the anti-climax of a draw. This is, without question, the best batting surface of the series and the field placing used by Richie Richardson and Michael Atherton suggested that both were simply content to play for time. Both dispersed their fields defensively, even when they held the initiative: Richardson at the start of the second day when England's innings was still in need of consolidation, Atherton almost from the very start yesterday in spite of his formidable 454.

In addition, England's team selection contradicted Atherton's pre-match assertion that England had only victory in mind. Why then include only four main bowlers and pack their batting? That, too, flew in the face of Raymond Illingworth's repeated insistence on five main bowlers.

All of which made absolutely no difference to Lara. He lives his cricket on a different plane to other mortals. There was an inevitability about his hundred in such conditions. There were three days remaining when he strode to the wicket in the morning and, at the rate at which he scores, it was clear once he got going the West Indies could still manufacture a remarkable victory.

His blazing strokes reduced England's bowlers to mere cannon fodder yesterday. If the West Indies can gain a final lead of about 200 some time around tea this afternoon it will be an uncomfortable time for the home team over the remainder of the match.

The main difference between England and Lara - and, indeed, all the West Indies batsmen - is emphasised by the comparative statistics. While England spent 159 overs accumulating 454, the West Indies, thanks to Lara, but not only Lara, have pulled to within 30 of the lead in 64 fewer overs.

Lara had vital support from Sherwin Campbell and his beleaguered captain, Richardson, that ensured the West Indies rattled along at a run rate of close to five an over. While Lara himself advanced at the incredible striking rate of 86.9 runs for every 100 balls, Campbell was not that far behind in their partnership of 108, his 89 coming from 152 balls. He has been a real find for the West Indies, coming so immediately after the exit of Desmond Haynes and it was cruel luck that he should have been, once more, denied the 100 that has so far eluded him through that most frustrating of dismissals, the leg-side keeper's catch.

Richardson has entered this match in the knowledge that it may well determine his future as captain. He has shown little imagination in his tactics and his batting has been only a shadowy imitation of what it was in his pomp. Seeking a scapegoat for the traumatic loss to Australia last May and the inconsistency of this summer's performances, Richardson has been the obvious candidate. But he has experienced such pressure more than once in his tenure and his sparkling response yesterday was further evidence of his strong character. Whether it is enough to save his job is another matter.