Windies edge morning session

England were today battling to remain competitive in the final npower Test after West Indies claimed two crucial breakthroughs before lunch at Chester-le-Street.

Resuming the fourth day of a rain-hit Test 166 runs behind on 121 for four, England were hoping Andrew Strauss could lead them out of trouble and claim his first century since last summer.

But Strauss fell for 77 while Ian Bell was also dismissed, and it took a determined stand between Paul Collingwood and Matt Prior to guide England to 202 for six at lunch.

Middlesex left-hander Strauss had resumed on 72 hoping to claim his first century in 18 Test innings, but added only five to his overnight total before becoming the fourth victim of the innings for fast bowler Fidel Edwards.

Edwards surprised Strauss with a lifting delivery in the fourth over of the day and induced him into edging behind to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.

Collingwood, playing his first Test at his home Riverside ground, managed to steady the innings and forged a determined sixth-wicket 32-run stand with Bell which appeared to have weathered the storm.

Just two balls after the drinks break, however, seamer Daren Powell dismissed Bell with an outswinger which he drove to Runako Morton in the gully for 11.

Collingwood had progressed to 35 at lunch, while wicketkeeper Prior was unbeaten on 16.