Atherton content to soldier on

Michael Atherton said he was happy to continue playing cricket for the time being after top-scoring with 83 out of England's 221 for five on the first day of the fifth and final Test against the West Indies here at The Oval.

An article in the New Statesman magazine here seemed to suggest that Atherton, 32, who has struggled with a longstanding back problem, was on the verge of quitting the game.

However, the former England captain said: "I don't look too far ahead. Obviously I won't be around forever but I've a year left on my contract with Lancashire and I haven't said I'm quitting. "I'm still enjoying my cricket and I intend to play for a while."

England were 159 without loss at one stage before debutant leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo sparked a collapse that saw four wickets lost for 25 runs in 11 overs.

Atherton felt both teams had reason to be pleased with their day's work. "After 150 for nought they won't be too unhappy but neither are we. "I wasn't surprised when they put us in. It's the traditional West Indies policy to bowl first. In the last two games they've been rolled over cheaply when they've batted first.

"The first hour tomorrow (Friday) will be critical. The new ball is due but we've got two batsmen (Graham Thorpe 31 not out and Graeme Hick two not out) at the crease who are capable of making hundreds, with batting to come." In an article for the Sunday Telegraph newspaper Atherton criticised the general state of English pitches. However, he said The Oval pitch was a fair surface.

"Conditions didn't change much in the day. The wicket kept you honest, you were never truly in. "When I first started here the pitches used to be quick. Since 1997 they've given the spinners more of a chance. Today (Thursday) there was something there for the bowlers but in mid-afternoon the runs were coming. It was a decent surface."

Atherton's opening partner Marcus Trescothick made a Test best 78 and the Somerset left-hander has clearly impressed his senior colleague during his brief Test career.

"He has a touch of class, a good temperament and he will open (for England) for many years to come," Atherton said. England are 2-1 up and are looking for their first series win over the West Indies since 1969.

Mail Cricket Editor