England v Zimbabwe - First Test, Day 2

Despite the sullen conditions that persisted at Lord's, for the second day, for England there remains the promise of brighter things to follow. With the prospects of fine weather not being particularly encouraging for the duration of this historical Test, the match may well last five days.

Under normal circumstances, with a team being skittled out for a paltry 83 in 30 overs on the first afternoon, as happened with Zimbabwe yesterday, the match struggles to go much beyond three days. But England will be seeing this as a clear opportunity of building a position of strength against an opposition which appears to be struggling with weaknesses in both the main areas - batting and bowling.

With England's poor performance last summer and indeed, so often in recent years, here lies their chance to establish a superiority in this match and a series victory in this short, 2-Test, contest will have an enormous uplifting effect on the side before the more arduous task against West Indies later this summer.

Despite losing the series 2-1 last winter in South Africa, there seemed an excellent team spirit prevailing and it is that mental strength which could be vital now if England are to bring to an end a dishearting sequence of only three wins in the last fifteen Tests at Lord's. It is a depressing statistic and England are now poised to improve on it.

One ought to spare a thought for the fans too. England supporters are among the most loyal in the world. On tours abroad they have followed the side despite the poor results. The attendence in this match has been unusually low for Lord's. It has to be said that Zimbabwe are not a great crowd pulling side but a winning England side will always attract spectators regardless of the strength of the opposition.

England's batsmen have shown discipline in their batting today. Admittedly, the tourists' attack has lacked penetration with the exception of Heath Streak who has claimed all three of the England wickets that have fallen. It is, however, so easy to lose concentration in the face of anodyne medium pace bowling that Zimbabwe have largely provided but England's batsmen have adhered to their task of building a very substantial first innings lead.

Graeme Hick and Michael Atherton had both been patient and shot-selective in reaching their half-centuries. Atherton did so for the tenth time on this ground and Hick's innings had been without blemish until, on 55, Andy Flower fluffed an easy chance despite getting both his gloves to the ball.

It was an appalling miss and for a side which is lacking in resources it becomes all the more imperative for chances such as that to be accepted.

Hick may well go on to reach an even bigger score after this let off and with two more specialist batsmen contributing to the total, Alec Stewart at the crease and Nick Knight to come in next, Zimbabwe's bowlers have a lot to do yet.

Despite such a fragmented day, with frequent stoppages and delays for rain, England's batting has been commendable.