Windies rock England

Barbados (CMC):

West Indies compensated for a dismal batting effort with a sensational bowling display to leave England in tatters and the third and final Test tantalisingly poised following a riveting second day's play, when 18 wickets tumbled.

The hosts required just 43 minutes in the morning session yesterday to wind up England's first innings for 257 - with the impressive Jerome Taylor taking all three wickets to fall - but then slumped to a disappointing 189 all out half-hour after tea, despite Jermaine Blackwood's aggressive 85.

Trailing by 68, West Indies then rocked England in their second innings to leave them tottering on 39 for five at the close - a lead of 107 runs heading into today's third day at Kensington Oval.

inspired by Taylor

They were again inspired by pacer Taylor who claimed two for 16 in an incisive, six-over opening spell with the new ball.

Left-hander Gary Ballance, who ended 12 not out, has been the only England batsman to reach double figures.

Taylor, operating from the southern end, got the breakthrough in the fourth over when he trapped Jonathan Trott leg before wicket for nine to one that seamed back, to extend the right-hander's nightmare run in the series.

In the next over, fast bowler Shannon Gabriel claimed captain Alistair Cook for four to a catch by Kraigg Brathwaite at second slip, and Taylor ensured Ian Bell suffered the disgrace of scoring a 'pair', when he had the right-hander lbw to a full, straight one, 14 minutes later.

Tottering on 18 for three, Ballance and Joe Root (1) kept the Windies attack at bay for half-hour in adding a mere ten runs for the fourth wicket. However, seamer Jason Holder replaced Taylor and claimed Root in his second over, caught at first slip for one by Darren Bravo, driving tentatively.