Cricket: Graeme Swann confident of Test victory

GRAEME Swann admitted Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 91 for West Indies had frustrated England on day four of the first Test at Lord’s, but remains confident of victory.

Having made 87 not out in the first innings, Chanderpaul added another 91 in 250 balls yesterday as the tourists made a battling 398 to set England 191 for victory.

Andrew Strauss and nightwatchman James Anderson then fell in a tricky period before stumps to leave the home team 10 for two overnight. Swann was not too disappointed with that position though.

“To walk away at the end chasing 191, we’ll take that,” he said. “We’d have taken a chase of less than 200 and we deserved a chase of less than 200. It wasn’t great losing the captain, but we have a very strong line-up.”

Reflecting on Chanderpaul’s potentially game-turning knock, Swann added: “Once again, he’s proving a thorn in our side. With such an unorthodox technique, you think he must get out sometime but he keeps going.

“He’s an exceptional player and he’s world number one for good reason. You have to work really hard for his wicket.

Chanderpaul himself was keen to talk up his side’s bowlers – Kemar Roach for his double strike at the end of play and Fidel Edwards for his potential to do the same tomorrow.

“Kemar stepped it up this evening and we’re hoping Fidel can step it up also,” he said.