Sports
July 23, 2004
West Indies,England lock horns today

The second day of the first Test between West Indies and England is well in progress at the famous Lords Cricket Ground in England today, Friday, June 23.
The West Indies will be anxious to erase memories of their near whitewash and humiliation to a rampaging English tourists four months ago.{{more}}
England elevated to second place, in the Test rankings before the start of the match would be favourites.
Pessimists will not be worried whether West Indies loses or wins, for they have grown accustomed to defeat.
Optimists will forget the West Indians Natwest final act and expect them to avenge losses in the Caribbean.
Hopes are for a good West Indian display, with England’s run of good performances hit by injuries.
It will be an experimental XI by the West Indians as they continue the trek towards revival.
Firepower will be lacking given the availability of bowlers. The inconsistency of the batsmen is familiar.
Unless things go wrong from early, fans will following the fortunes of their heroes one way or the other.