Flintoff holds key in England's charge

Their chances of doing so will no doubt revolve around all-rounder Andrew Flintoff's ability to bowl in his usual menacing mode.

West Indies will enter day five on 143 for three after being set an improbable 503-run victory target - with Ramnaresh Sarwan well set on 47 alongside the evergreen Shivnarine Chanderpaul (18 not out).

With the pitch at the Antigua Recreation Ground holding up well despite its limited preparation, patience will be a key virtue for an England attack which has struggled to dismiss opponents twice in matches over the past 12 months.

But three wickets in Wednesday's post-tea session increased England's chances of immediate revenge for the Jamaica innings hammering.

Graeme Swann claimed the prize wicket of West Indies captain Chris Gayle between successes for the pacemen.

Off-spinner Swann, who claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in the first innings, trapped the aggressive Gayle leg before wicket when he outfoxed the tall left-hander in the flight as he attempted to sweep.

Fast bowler Steve Harmison made the first inroad when he pinned Devon Smith back against his stumps from around the wicket and gained a marginal decision from Australian umpire Daryl Harper. England were then gifted a third success in a 10-over spell when Ryan Hinds chipped a delivery from Stuart Broad straight to mid-on.

Talisman Flintoff awoke with stiffness in his right hip on Tuesday and although the tourists' medical staff initially downplayed its significance, he nevertheless had an anti-inflammatory injection to address the troublesome area.

He managed a three-over burst from the pavilion end on Wednesday evening but was down on pace in comparison to the first innings when he claimed three for 47 via some controlled hostility.