Strauss rues shambolic second Test

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Strauss batted in the shortest Test in history on Friday as just 10 balls were possible at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium before match officials ceased play because of the the atrocious state of the bowlers' run-ups.

The opening hour of the contest was reminiscent of the shambles of the 1998 Jamaica Test which was scrapped after just 10.1 overs due to an unsatisfactory pitch, and Strauss said: "I remember being in a pub on my first pint, looking forward to the game starting, so to finish like that was very disappointing."

He added: "From a fans' point of view it is just not right that Test cricket matches can be abandoned. Lessons definitely need to be learned.

"No one feels more than we do for the spectators who have come out here. They have every right to be very disappointed with what has happened.

"The game of cricket doesn't need this, it's as simple as that."

Groundstaff are facing a race against the clock to prepare the island's traditional Test venue, which has not been used for international cricket since 2006.

England are desperate to play given the commitment made by thousands of British supporters to be here, and their own position in the series, following the innings thrashing at Sabina Park last weekend.

West Indies, meanwhile, were forced into a grovelling apology for attempting to host the match at an under-par facility.

Dr Julian Hunte, chairman of the West Indies Cricket Board, said: "Let me apologise to everyone on behalf of the board for what is quite rightly called an 'embarrassment'. The ultimate responsibility lies with the board and we are not shirking it."