Cricket: England Beat the West Indies to Claim the Wisden Trophy

England strolled to a nine-wicket win over the West Indies at Trent Bridge to win the Wisden Trophy series with a match still remaining.

Alastair Cook (43*) and Andrew Strauss (41) led England’s fourth-innings chase, with Jonathan Trott (17*) hitting the winning runs.

Centuries from Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy had put the Windies in control on day one, but Strauss’ 141 restored parity.

Tim Bresnan (4-37) did the damage with the ball in the visitors' second innings, as they were 165 all out, leaving him with match figures of 8-141.

The pendulum of power swung frantically throughout the contest, starting immediately on day one as England had the West Indies on their knees at 136-3.

But Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy’s 204-run partnership saw them end day one in charge on 306-6.

Again, though, the momentum changed: Tim Bresnan ran through the tail as the visitors failed to capitalise on their comeback on the opening day.

England pressed on from here with Andrew Strauss running away from the monkey he removed from his back at Lord’s; he hit another century alongside a quick fire 72* from Kevin Pietersen as the hosts ended day two in control at 259-2.

From here England lost their next eight wickets for just 169 runs as once more the match changed direction.

The direction didn’t take long to change course again, though, as James Anderson and Bresnan again made the West Indian batting lineup toil in the Nottingham heat.

However, Samuels and Sammy were once again together and frustrated the England
attack once more on day four. Bresnan was on hand to break their partnership, though, shortly before lunch.

After the break England wasted little time in finishing off the West Indies’ second innings, Anderson striking twice and Graeme Swann once leaving themselves 108 for victory.

Strauss and Cook passed 5000 runs as an opening partnership in test cricket in their opening stand of 89, the only blemish on England’s second innings coming when the England captain departed with just 18 required.

Trott and Cook ensured there was no further hiccup, sealing the win and claiming the Wisden trophy for their side.

The teams now travel to Edgbaston for the final test.