Here we have it then: the thread for the fourth and final test of this series. The series is already won by England - but, at least in my view, with more than a modicum of luck last Monday (the 60 run, penultimate session margin in the third test surely being much closer than England's management, players or fans could have expected or felt comfortable with). Can West Indies take one for honour, with Seven Wicket Sammy listed only as "hopeful" at the time of going to press and Matthew Hoggard back in the attack for England? We'll know by Tuesday. In the meantime, comments on the fourth test here, please.

Play starts at 1100 BST on Friday.

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Money won't buy you friends. But it gets you a better class of enemy.
Spike Milligan

The weather is giving its worst today, so play will not start on time. The teams however:

England:

Strauss, Cook, Vaughan*, Pietersen, Collingwood, Bell, Prior+, Harmison, Hoggard, Sidebottom, Panesar.

West Indies (likely):

Ganga*, Gayle, Smith, Morton, Chanderpaul, Bravo, Ramdin+, ??? (Replacing Sammy), Taylor, Edwards, Collymore.

The forecast looks poor for the next few days,be amazed if we get enough play to see a result in this game.

Pity because the West Indies looked a different team at Old Trafford, I think that would from their point of viw would have stopped a dead rubber being "as dead".

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Ern

Washout of day one. Rats.

More like Cats and Dogs

I was under the impression Sammy had passed the fitness test, his name's in the side on the Cricinfo scorecard.

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"Being second is to be the first of the ones who lose."
- Ayrton Senna

Considering how much its raining up here now (still) and tomorrows forecast I think this will go down as a draw. If we dont lose at least half the test to the weather I'll be amazed.

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Mark.

Well, I had a rotten day in the office yesterday from about 7am to 10pm, and was looking forward to some cricket today. Unfortunately, if any happens, it looks as though it will be between the heavy showers which are forecast. Shame. Now I need to construct an alternative plan for the day's entertainment.

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Money won't buy you friends. But it gets you a better class of enemy.
Spike Milligan

12.00 inspection.

Fingers crossed we have no rain before then.