Bopara explosion wrecks WI 'A'

WORCESTER, England (CMC):

Kevin Stoute and Darren Bravo stroked half-centuries, but West Indies 'A' crashed to their third straight defeat of the Tri-Nations Limited Overs series on Sunday, with a 124-run loss to a powerful England Lions.

Ravi Bopara smashed an exhilarating 168 to fire England Lions to a formidable 345 all out off 49.1 overs and West Indies 'A' could only muster 221 all out off 40 overs in the fifth match of the tournament that also includes India 'A'.'Stoute top-scored with 64 and Bravo chipped in with 62 to haul West Indies 'A' around from a bad start, but Bopara returned to torment the visitors with his medium pace, capturing four for 43.

Fast bowler Peter Trego snatched five for 40 to lead England's 'A' side which have now won both their matches in the series.'Bowling first after winning the toss at New Road, West Indies 'A' were away to a great start when they reduced England Lions to 14 for three in the fourth over. but Bopara cracked 23 fours and two sixes from 140 balls to lead the recovery.

Trego lashed 73 from just 55 balls, while Darren Stevens (43) and Steve Davies (34) chipped in with support.

Fast bowler Gavin Tonge was the main destroyer in the innings, snaring four for 69, while fellow pacer Andre Russell finished with three for 75 and seamer Lionel Baker, two for 71.