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England secure Test victory over West Indies

John Mehaffey,Reuters
Friday 08 May 2009 18:05 BST
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England completed a 10-wicket victory over West Indies today within three days after the visitors had finally displayed some fighting spirit with the bat.

Brendan Nash (81) and Denesh Ramdin (61) shared the first century partnership of the match to ensure England would bat again after West Indies had been asked to follow on on Thursday.

The match looked destined to end even earlier after England captured three wickets in 12 deliveries shortly before lunch. Nash and Ramdin had other ideas, adding 143 for the sixth wicket before England wrapped up the innings.

It was the first time for four years that England have won the first test of a series.

West Indies must now win the second test starting at Chester-le-Street next Thursday to retain the Wisden Trophy they regained from England in the Caribbean this year.

They were the third choice team to visit England at the start of a packed summer which includes the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes series against Australia.

The British government refused to issue visas for a Zimbabwe team and their initial replacements Sri Lanka had too many players committed to the Indian Premier League to be able to field a competitive side.

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