Skipper Courtney Walsh won the toss and naturally opted to bat first, but Brown broke through the Carribean defences very early sending opener Phillo Wallace on the first ball of the first over and then trapped the architect of Friday's win, Brian Lara on the third ball.

Fall of two quick wickets however did not dampen the spirits of Stuart Williams and Carl Hooper who collected 50 runs from 13 overs. It was Carl Hooper, who like on many occasions in the past, had the onus of salvaging his side's situation. He put his head down and with Williams added 30 runs before England struck another blow with Dean Headley having Williams caught by Thorpe for 22. Hooper remained undeterred as wickets kept falling from the other side, Shivnarine Chanderpaul was the most obvious disappointment failing to make a big score, for the second time in this contest. He was lbw to Ealham when the total was 77.

Phil Simmons and Hooper retrieved the position to some extent with an useful 66 runs fifth wicket partnership to take the total to 143. In the meantime Hooper reached his richly deserved 50 which included five boundaries, compiled from 81 deliveries. While Simmons and Hooper were on the crease the run rate also improved, from a dismal 3.10 to 3.80 per over by the time the 30 over were completed.

The West Indian batting could not last long after Simmons departure, caught by Robert Croft off skipper Adam Hollioake when the total at 143. It was Hooper who stood between his side and total collapse. The best thing he did was to force England to bowl their full quota and was really lucky to get his well deserved century on the last ball of the innings. His century included six hits to the fence and he faced 135 deliveries as West Indies innings folded up at 197 for 7.