Moores wins side bet - Ryan shines on rainy day

Peter Moores prolaimed himself delighted that his surprise decision to pluck Ryan Sidebottom from county obscurity had already paid handsome dividends but the England coach is facing further frustration over Andrew Flintoff.

On a day when wintry weather held up England's seemingly inevitable march towards victory in the second npower Test, Moores had plenty of time to reflect on a selection that probably would not have been made by Duncan Fletcher but one that now, like the call-up of Matt Prior, looks inspired.

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Sidebottom is the archetypal honest county pro, trundling along at around 80mph, that Fletcher did not believe could prosper at the highest level. And while the Notts left-armer will face much sterner tests than that presented by a flatfooted West Indies in helpful Headingley conditions, Moores insists he is not simply a horse picked for this particularly enticing course.

"Ryan was selected on merit to play for England and he has done very well," said Moores of a bowler whose adherence to the basics of control aided by significant swing under Saturday's clouds saw him take six wickets as the West Indies crashed to 146 all out and 22 for two following on. "The fact that this game was at a ground he knows well from his time with Yorkshire is a bonus.

"This has been really special for Ryan already and it is a fillip for the counties. We had the opportunity to bring him in because of an injury and he has shown he has the ability to move up a level. There are others like him I've seen in county cricket who could well step up but you have to strike a balance with that and bringing in younger players."

The test of Sidebottom's suitability for continued success will surely come when he has to bowl on a flat wicket with the sun shining. That may well happen in next week's third Test at Old Trafford, particularly as Matthew Hoggard's groin injury is a little bit worse than first thought'.

A ground which has become synonymous with reverse swing on abrasive surfaces in recent years is apparently more conventional swing-friendly this season and Sidebottom will be given further opportunities to prove he can prosper outside his native Yorkshire, both in Manchester and in all probability the fourth Test at Durham.

Moores' advocacy of Sidebottom is evidence that the new coach will be much more county friendly' than Fletcher, even though his communications with Lancashire over Flintoff's recuperation from his left ankle problems appeared confused last night.

Minutes after Moores said he expected Flintoff to play against Leicestershire today, the ECB were force dto admit that the all-rounder's comeback had been further delayed as a precaution'.

They now hope he will be fit to bowl against Sussex in the LV County Championship on Wednesday. The uncertainty over Flintoff is a continued worry for England but they have no need to fret over his fitness while the West Indies are in town. This series has taken a dramatic turn in England's favour after the tourists' unexpected resistance at Lord's and only two more days of rain can stop England going 1-0 with two to play. Flintoff is simply not needed just yet and it would be foolish to rush him back.

Moores also prepared last night to welcome the new addition to his coaching staff, Allan Donald, with confirmation that the great South African will be on trial for five weeks as a fast bowling consultant to see whether he fits into the England system.

"We couldn't afford not to look at Allan," said Moores. "He's got fantastic experience and this will be the first stage to see whether we like him and he likes us. Kevin Shine will be his boss and will be working with Allan and the bowlers ahead of the third Test."

Donald said: "It's been great to get an opportunity with England as I've struggled to break into the South African set-up."

Donald's biggest challenge will be to get the best out of Steve Harmison and he appeared ready for the challenge last night. "I think Steve's problem is mental rather than technical," said Donald. "He's always been a guy who needs someone very close to him to keep him performing consistently. We want to get him back to the way he was bowling when he was the best in the world."

Yesterday's wash- out cost £450,000 in refunds but the ECB had insurance.