ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, 14 April 2004 — West Indies tightened the screw against England in the fourth and final Test as they enforced the follow-on midway through the fourth day despite a century from Andrew Flintoff.
The all-rounder hit his third Test hundred, ending unbeaten on 102 after an uncharacteristically watchful innings, as England stumbled to 285 all out.
Following on, the touring side, which have already clinched the series by dominating the first three Tests, were 10 without loss at tea, still 456 behind.
Paceman Pedro Collins took four for 76 while Tino Best finished with three for 37.
After the excitement of Brian Lara’s record-breaking 400 not out in the West Indies innings of 751 for five, the two sides emerged to a much more subdued atmosphere in the ground.
But the relatively small crowd were lifted when the home side struck early as wicketkeeper Geraint Jones was bowled through the gate by Fidel Edwards for 38.
Gareth Batty hit two fours but then fell to a superb ball from Collins, Chris Gayle taking a sharp catch at first slip.
That left England on 205 for seven and things almost got worse when Flintoff, on 56, edged Collins to gully but Ricardo Powell spilled a difficult chance to his left.
Flintoff, also dropped by Lara at first slip late on day three, received another reprieve when Collins spilled a routine caught-and-bowled when he was on 67.
Collins took his second wicket of the day and his fourth of the innings when Matthew Hoggard, after scoring one run in 51 minutes, edged him to Ridley Jacobs.
With Simon Jones providing staunch support, Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff took advantage of his good luck, hitting Edwards for a six over long leg as he moved into his 90s.
A flick through square leg brought up his hundred, coming off 209 balls, with 13 fours and one six.
Jones then left the field for treatment for a bruised forearm but after Steve Harmison was bowled by Best for five he returned only to fall lbw to Ryan Hinds for 11.
Batting again, Marcus Trescothick survived a big appeal for a catch down the leg side. Television replays suggested the ball brushed his glove.
