In-form Strauss hits half-century

Strauss was handed a life on his way to 66 at lunch in his side's 109 for two. Strauss was put down at backward point, on 19, after top-edging an attempted hook off fast bowler Barrington Yearwood in the fifth over.

Four fielders converged on the ball but wicketkeeper Ronaldo Arthur called for the catch, despite being furthest away, and contrived to bodge the opportunity.

England - asked to bat first in a two-day game restricted to 90 overs on first innings - lost Alastair Cook in the second over after drinks when he tamely chipped a delivery from 6ft 7in teenage fast bowler Jason Holder, from around the wicket, straight to mid-on.

Holder, 17, then added a second scalp when Owais Shah spiralled an attempted pull down to fine leg where Corey Edwards tumbled forward to take the catch after an initial misjudgment.

Moments earlier, Strauss continued his recent rich form by celebrating a 65-ball 50.

England gave run-outs to tour newcomers Ravi Bopara and Amjad Khan, a matter of hours after their long-haul trek from New Zealand, where they were with the England Lions, to cover the injured Andrew Flintoff.

Both had the chance to push their Test claims at Windward Cricket Club as the tourists prepare for Thursday's penultimate match of the series here in Barbados.

Wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose was also given some game time with first-choice gloveman Matt Prior due to miss the final Test in Trinidad to be at the birth of his first child.

And Ryan Sidebottom was deemed fit to play despite an Achilles problem which assistant coach Andy Flower termed 'chronic' in the aftermath of the Antigua Test draw.