Fletcher backs England's old guard

England's coach, Duncan Fletcher, is unconcerned about the current form of his opening batsmen, Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick, despite both men again falling cheaply on the second evening in Trinidad.

Although Vaughan and Trescothick steered England to their victory target of 20 in the first Test at Sabina Park, they have managed a combined total of just 40 runs in the series. "At this stage they're struggling a little bit," admitted Fletcher, "but we've had it before and they've always come good.

"They've both got averages in the 40s, they're world-class batters and you would be proud to have those figures," he added. "They are just going through a bit of a period when you get some good balls. We've had some really good platforms to build on in the past, but it doesn't continue forever otherwise it would be a very easy game to play."

In the absence of a significant contribution from the openers, the onus has fallen on Nasser Hussain and Mark Butcher to stabilise England's innings. And after a typically gritty unbroken partnership of 46 had hauled England back from a mini-crisis at 8 for 2, Fletcher was keen to praise the old guard.

"Everyone has been saying we should kick the old guys out and they're not needed in English cricket, but you have to have a spine of experienced players to show the young guys what it's all about and they will always play an important role. Nasser has done this on numerous occasions. He played very well in New Zealand a few years ago on those drop-in wickets that were very green and seamed around. He really enjoys a scrap - that's when he's at his best."