Pratt hits fine century on good day for England

England enjoyed probably their best day so far in the Under-19 Test series against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, finishing the day only 103 runs behind the tourists with seven wickets left.

Hero of the day was undoubtedly Durham left-hander Gary Pratt. He hit a composed 188 in almost five and a half hours on the second day of the Second Test.

It was his second under-19 Test hundred, following on from his 114 against India in Hyderabad last January.

Pratt, who hit 29 fours in his 258-ball innings, was out caught behind as he played under a wide, full-length ball from Jamaican fast bowler Jermaine Lawson.

That was six overs from the close, which arrived with England on 313 for three and Kadeer Ali on 56 in reply to West Indies' 416 for nine declared.

Pratt and his opening partner Joe Sayers, of Yorkshire, defied some vehement West Indies appealing that brought one rebuke from Test umpire Peter Willey during their opening stand of 116.

The partnership ended when Sayers lobbed Lawson for a simple catch to mid-wicket and was out for 45.

In the morning session, Lancashire seamer Kyle Hogg put aside his heritage to take three West Indian wickets in four balls as they tumbled from 400 for six to 416 for nine.

For Hogg's grandfather is the great West Indies spinner Sonny Ramadhin, who bowled 81.2 overs to take five for 135 in the second innings against England on this same ground 51 years ago.

Ramadhin's daughter married Lancashire bowler Willie Hogg and the result was young Kyle.

He failed as nightwatchman when he played on to Lawson, but he is on a hat-trick when West Indies bat again.