Outstanding Edwards takes four on opening day

May 07, 2009 Sports

Fidel Edwards started the two-match Test Series against England in fine fashion as he grabbed four wickets on the opening day of the 1st Test at Lord’s.
The 27-year-old bowled with great pace and hostility to take 4-53 from 19 overs as he again proved to be a wicket-taker. England closed on 289-7, with Ravi Bopara holding the innings together with 118 not out.
Edwards described the pitch as a “slow” and said he knew he had to put in a huge effort for the team. He added that the “ball was swinging” — a sure advantage for the bowlers. He also noted the Windies will be keen to limit the home side when play resumes today, Thursday at 11 am [6 am Eastern Caribbean Time/ 5 am Jamaica Time].

“It [pitch] is green but it is pretty slow. I don’t mind the fact that it’s flat, but once the ball keeps swinging that will be ideal for me. My job is to bowl fast and get the ball in the right areas.
This is Lord’s, the home of cricket, and every player dreams of doing well here. I had a good rhythm today and felt quite comfortable. Come tomorrow (today), we will look to maintain the pressure and look to bowl them out as early as possible,” the 27-year-old said. Edwards was sensational after lunch, grabbing three wickets in a six-over spell.
He sent back Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen to consecutive balls and also dismissed Paul Collingwood.
The left-handed Cook dragged on a full length delivery; Pietersen was superbly caught one-handed by keeper Denesh Ramdin as he edged a perfect outswinger; and Collingwood was snapped up at second slip by Devon Smith.

On taking the third scalp Edwards did a salute to the vocal West Indies fans assembled in the stands. He returned later in the day to have Matt Prior caught at cover by Lendl Simmons.
“That was a very good ball to get rid of Kevin. Hopefully I would be able to get a few more of those to him [in the upcoming matches],” Edwards noted.
The West Indies missed chances in the evening session, but Edwards said he was not deterred and the aim is to soldier on. “We could have been in a better position but our heads are not down. That’s Test cricket and you’ve got to move on from here.”