Cricket: England crash out of Nat West series

The destructive power of West Indies' batting line-up sent hosts England crashing out of the NatWest Triangular Series at Lord's on Tuesday.

Despite compiling 285 for seven - the highest score of the tournament at that point - England slumped to a seven-wicket defeat as West Indies successfully chased the fourth highest target ever in a one-day international in this country.

Man-of-the-match Chris Gayle was the thorn in England's side, hammering a brilliant 132 to seal the triumph with five balls to spare.

The Windies' limited bowling resources - Jermaine Lawson was ruled out with flu while Ravi Rampaul is suffering with shin splints - forced the tourists to select just two specialist bowlers for a match England had to win with a bonus point to guarantee their involvement in Saturday's final at Lord's against New Zealand.

link