West Indies demolish Zimbabwe

The West Indies produced an aggressive and disciplined bowling display on Sunday to win the first Test against Zimbabwe by an innings and 176 runs.

Zimbabwe were dismissed for 228 in their second innings in the second over after tea on the fourth day, chasing 404 to make the West Indies bat again.

West Indies made 559 for six declared with opener Chris Gayle and skipper Carl Hooper scoring centuries after they had bowled Zimbabwe out for 155 in their first innings.

Left-arm spinner Neil McGarrell took career-best figures of four for 38 as the pitch began to wear and offer substantial turn during the afternoon session.

Colin Stuart also took a career-best three for 45 as Zimbabwe folded after a record opening stand between openers Alistair Campbell and Dion Ebrahim.

Although Campbell went on to post his second Test century, wickets tumbled after lunch and the victory was completed when Raymond Price was caught at forward short leg off Reon King for four.

Resuming 112 for no wicket overnight, Campbell and Ebrahim took their opening partnership to 164, when Ebrahim was adjudged lbw to Stuart for 75.

Ebrahim's partnership with Campbell surpassed the 156 scored by Grant Flower and Gavin Rennie against New Zealand in 1997-1998.

Debutant wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu was forced up the order in the absence of Stuart Carlisle, who broke a finger while fielding on Friday. Taibu was Stuart's second lbw victim, for four.

Campbell moved to his century after lunch, but was out shortly after for 103, after padding up to McGarrell and being adjudged lbw.

His innings took just under five hours, lasted 229 balls and included ten fours.

Craig Wishart's dismissal for four, out lbw to Stuart, just after lunch then sparked the collapse of the Zimbabwe second innings with six wickets falling in the afternoon session.

McGarrell had Campbell out lbw, then had Grant Flower (two) edging to Gayle at first slip and captain Heath Streak (two) caught by Ramnaresh Sarwan at silly point.

He then caught and bowled Andy Blignaut for nine off a mistimed drive.

Bryan Strang (seven) was then brilliantly caught by Garrick at forward short leg to leave Zimbabwe 222 for eight at tea.

Gayle was named man of the match for his 175 in the West Indies innings.

Mail Cricket Editor