West Indies secure series as England held to frustrating draw

ENGLAND could only draw the fifth and final Test against West Indies in Trinidad last night – handing their hosts a 1-0 series victory.

The islanders were set a victory target of 240 to win the match after England, led by Kevin Pietersen’s blistering 102, declared their second innings on 237 for two at lunch.

That never looked a likely prospect with the West Indies content to defend their series lead, and the tourists reduced them to 114 for eight before time was called on the Test.

Meanwhile, Australia claimed the three wickets they needed in the final hour before tea to win the second Test match against South Africa by 175 runs and seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The hosts came into the final day in Durban with hopes of gaining a draw but lost the key wicket of Jacques Kallis (93) early in the first session and were eventually skittled for 370 for nine – Graeme Smith not coming out to bat due to a broken finger – with Simon Katich claiming three wickets to help his side retain their world number one ranking.