At The Oval, May 26. England won by 25 runs. Toss: West Indies. International debut: P. J. Martin.

England won the 1,000th official limited-overs international to level the series, thanks to a total of 306 for five, the most West Indies had ever conceded in this form of cricket. But their hero was Peter Martin, the Lancashire seamer, who took four wickets on his England debut. Afterwards, he said it hadn't quite sunk in that he was in the team, but he radiated amiable delight.

West Indies' determined assault had brought them 69 for one when he came on, in the 13th over, and dismissed Campbell with his fifth delivery. He soon added Adams and, as the coup de grâce, Lara, bowled for 39 off 36 balls. But Murray revived the faltering innings, with 86 from 77, and England could not feel quite safe until he was run out with two overs to spare. Atherton and Hick had launched their massive total with a stand of 144 in 28 overs, making the most of Walsh's absence with a back injury, and the last 15 overs brought England 118 as Fairbrother raced to 61 in 52 balls.

Man of the Match: P. J. Martin. Attendance: 16,051; receipts £434,068.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd