ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

John Dyson accepts that West Indies will face an uphill struggle over the last three days to stay competitive in the third Test against England on an Antigua Recreation Ground pitch that has started to play unevenly.

The West Indies coach was speaking yesterday after his side reached 55 for one, replying to England's first innings total of 566 for nine declared at the close on the second day.

"Just how many tricks the pitch will play, we won't be sure on until we see it on (Tuesday)," Dyson said.

"The main tricks have been made by the soccer line, not the pitch itself. The pitch has generally played exceptionally well."

Jerome Taylor dismissed Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff with two deliveries which pitched in the area of the ride.

Flintoff later unsettled West Indies captain Chris Gayle with a few deliveries which also fell near there.

"There were a few balls that misbehaved, but one of the things I've said about Test pitches in the last 12 months is that some of them are just too good," Dyson said.

"They aren't meant to last six or seven days. You expect them to wear and play a few tricks."

Dyson was not satisfied with the way his side bowled and believed they gave away too many easy runs.

"I was a little disappointed with the way we bowled (on Monday)," he said. "On a pitch as flat as this, you have to be very patient and we fell back into an old habit of being to be aggressive."

Despite all of this, Dyson still felt the Test can be saved with a little more application from his side.