England was initially determined to end a 36-year drought of cricket series wins in the Caribbean. Now it could capture a greater prize: A first ever 4-0 series sweep on West Indies turf.
History beckons England, even though it hasn't clinched the current series after winning the second test by seven wickets on the fifth morning Tuesday.
England successfully retained the Wisden Trophy for the first time since 1969 by winning two tests in the Caribbean for the first time in 50 years, and taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the four-test series, which resumes in Barbados on April 1.
PHOTO: REUTERS
But the manner of England's two humiliating victories -- only rain prevented another win inside four days at Port-of-Spain -- and the disarray within the home squad hinted by the resignation of manager Ricky Skerritt, suggest England can confidently pursue an unprecedented series whitewash in Barbados and Antigua.
Australia almost achieved it last May, and it took a world-record 418-run second innings by the West Indies in Antigua to thwart the Aussies' ambitions.
England captain Michael Vaughan played down the rising expectations in his England side.
"We've still got two games to go but we're in a fantastic position," Vaughan said.
"I know we're 2-0 up but it could quite easily have been the other way around. The West Indies got on top of us in Jamaica and we came through tough periods. They got on top of us here again in Trinidad and we came through those tough periods. It's been hard work."
England embarrassed the West Indies by 10 wickets in Jamaica, and humbled the former Calypso Kings again in captain Brian Lara's hometown. The West Indies was bowled out for 208 and 209, and England made 319 and 99 for three at Queen's Park Oval.
England needed only 28 runs on the final day, and though former captain Nasser Hussain fell for 5 to the day's second ball, victory was achieved in five overs thanks to a 45-ball 46 by Mark Butcher and Graham Thorpe's 13.
England fast bowler Steve Harmison was named man of the match for taking 6-61 in the first innings, and claiming Lara again in the second innings for 8.
Lara said he was disappointed with the way his team has been unable to string together consistent performances.
"That has been our problem with our game over the last few months," Lara said. "Either we're batting good and not bowling well or the opposite. We need to improve in all areas of our game."
He said the middle-order batting, which includes himself, has been letting the team down.
Australia versus Sri Lanka
Chaminda Vaas and Thilan Samaraweera took a wicket apiece yesterday and Australia reached lunch at 96 for two on the opening day of the third cricket test against Sri Lanka.
Ricky Ponting, who won the toss and elected to bat as Australia chases an unprecedented 3-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka, was batting on 34 and Damien Martyn was unbeaten on 14 at the interval.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack had been reduced to one paceman after 40 minutes when Nuwan Zoysa hobbled off following the third ball of his fourth over with a sprained left foot.
In 3.3 overs, he'd conceded 23 runs. Zoysa had returned for his first test in almost two years at Kandy last week, taking four wickets in Australia's first innings. Sri Lankan officials said Zoysa was undergoing medical tests but the injury wasn't expected to be serious.
The Australians lost both openers soon after Zoysa's departure.
Justin Langer (19) miscued a pull shot off Vaas in the ninth over and lobbed a simple catch to Tillakaratne Dilshan at mid-wicket with the total at 43.
Samaraweera got an opportunity when Matthew Hayden spooned a simple catch to substitute fielder Upul Chandana at mid-on as Australia slipped to 60 for two.
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