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[cricket_news]

Bopara defies hostile but unlucky Edwards
6 May 2009, 6:49 pm



By John Mehaffey

LONDON (Reuters) - Ravi Bopara batted with patience and application in England's problematic number three position on Wednesday to compile an unbeaten 118 on the opening day of the first test against West Indies at Lord's.

Bopara restrained his attacking instincts in an innings which has taken 246 balls so far to help England reach a respectable 289 for seven at the close.

He stood firm in the face of some splendidly hostile fast bowling from Fidel Edwards, who moved the ball late away from the right-handers and captured three for nine from 22 balls in the afternoon session.

It was the Essex all-rounder's first test at Lord's and fully justified the selectors' decision to promote him to number three after he scored a hundred in his only test in the Caribbean this year.

West Indies were badly let down by their catching. Stuart Broad (38) survived chances on nine, 13, 32 and 37 while Bopara was dropped on 76 and 102.

Edwards, who claimed four for 53, was the main sufferer with Brendan Nash at square-leg grassing the first chance off Bopara immediately after tea. Broad was put down off his bowling by Sulieman Benn at gully and again by captain Chris Gayle at first slip.

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Source: Reuters: Cricket News