Cricket: England run into ground by Sarwan.

Byline: BY RICHARD GIBSON Daily Postl Correspondent

ENGLAND head into the final day of the penultimate Test against West Indies resigned to saving a match they originally targeted as a must-win.

Pre-tour expectations of victory in the series evaporated on the fourth day at Kensington Oval as the home side stacked up 749 for nine declared - the second highest total England have conceded in Test history.

After conceding a firstinnings deficit of 149, England must now bat out today to preserve the chance of sharing the series 1-1.

"Our goal was to come out here and win," admitted Paul Collingwood.

"Some people from outside might have thought we would come here and win comfortably but we know it's always tough coming out to the West Indies.

"They're a tough side to crack."

Ramnaresh Sarwan and Denesh Ramdin both hit Test-best scores of 291 and 166 respectively as England failed to take a wicket in the first two sessions.

"When you have someone like Sarwan in the form of his life on a pitch like that, it's not a great combination to be facing,"

Collingwood added.

West Indies lead 1-0 thanks to England's capitulation at Sabina Park, where they were dismissed for just 51.

But the flatness of the pitch here and a bundle of runs for the tourists batsmen since mean they are expecting to secure a draw.

"The wicket is slightly different," said Collingwood. "It has played really well here and the batsmen are in good nick.

"We are confident and there has been a change in mentality.

We will not go out there and bat for a draw but bat as if it's a first innings."

Sarwan, whose series run tally is now a whopping 598, believes the hosts can gain succour from that first Test bowling display.

"I don't know if it will play on their minds but it will certainly be in our minds," Sarwan said.

"Hopefully we can come out tomorrow, pick up some wickets, and put them under early pressure.

"It would be good to take that initiative in the first hour and a half.

"We all saw what happened in the first Test in Jamaica and the lead we have is very valuable to us.

"The pitch has started to deteriorate, a few balls kept a bit low, so we will have an interesting day ahead."

Sarwan's lowest score in four innings is 94 and has shot him up the official Test batting rankings.

"Stats-wise, yes it is the best I have ever played," he added.

"There have been times when I have timed the ball better."

CAPTION(S):

Sidebottom can't figure out how to stop Sarwan in Barbados