England cricketers enjoy salaries and lifestyles beyond the reach of many of those who follow them, but they certainly work hard for their money. The team's schedule for the next 12 months and beyond is demanding enough to tempt Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower to rest key players and reduce the risk of injury.

Captain Andrew Strauss hit his second century in as many matches as England set the foundations for a considerable first-innings lead on day two of the second Investec Test against the West Indies.

When a player has scored only three Test centuries in 12 years of international cricket, he is entitled to enjoy his moment in the spotlight, and Marlon Samuels was not about to waste his.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's batting technique is the antithesis of elegance. Shuffling across the crease to turn the ball into the leg side, his workmanlike style frustrates bowlers and spectators alike. Yet Test cricket will miss him when he is gone.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul's batting technique is the antithesis of elegance. Shuffling across the crease to turn the ball into the leg side, Chanderpaul's workmanlike style frustrates bowlers and spectators alike. Yet Test cricket will miss him when he is gone.

England endured a wicketless morning at Lord's as Marlon Samuels and Shivnarine Chanderpaul continued West Indies' unexpected fightback in the first Investec Test.

Yorkshireman shows shades of Pietersen before his brilliant run-out leaves West Indies staring inevitable defeat in the face

West Indies 243 v England 259-3

Nottinghamshire 423 & 174-7 Middlesex 300-9 & 87-0 (Match drawn)

Nottinghamshire 169 Lancashire 48-1

England seamer James Anderson came through an injury scare with nothing more than bruising to his right thumb after returning to county action at Old Trafford this morning.

Coach backs batsmen to thrive this summer but says there will be competition for places