Harmison is top of the class

Standard Sport14 April 2012
Last week, before the Jamaica Test, Standard Sport identified five key players in the Caribbean - and challenged them to meet tough targets in order for England to secure a first series win in the West Indies for 36 years. Here is the story so far...

Michael Vaughan

Target: Two big tons, minimum.
Progress: Scores of 15 and 11 not out were not much to write home about. But England's captain still looks in wonderful form and there's no reason yet to think he won't make some weighty contributions.

Graham Thorpe

Target: A four-Test average of 50.
Progress: Only required once at Sabina Park, where he lost a hooking battle with the fiery Tino Best after making 19. If the Trinidad pitch is true to form - slower and seam-friendly - Thorpe should be in his element, digging in.

Ashley Giles

Target: 15 wickets, including plenty of big 'uns.
Progress: Bowled poorly by his recent standards during the first innings but still dismissed the two batsmen who caused England most grief on the opening day - top-scorers Devon Smith and Ryan Hinds.

Steve Harmison

Target: To be England's undisputed strike bowler.
Progress: Could scarcely have made a better start with nine wickets in the match, including that sensational spell of seven for 12. Needs to keep on top of the Windies and exploit the psychological damage.

Andrew Flintoff

Target: Crash, bang and wallop the Windies.
Progress: Was right on track in Jamaica before being felled by a part-time spinner's sucker punch. But 46 from 50 balls was just what England needed as they looked to take control. There's more to come from 'Freddie'.

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