West Indies bowled exceptionally well to wrap up England’s first innings rapidly on the first day for 204 runs. The second day saw England bowlers returning the favour back by dismantling the West Indies batting line-up quite a bit.
West Indies finished the second day on 232/8 to gain a lead to 28 runs. Joshua Da Silva has demonstrated skills and resilience to keep West Indies ahead in the game by a small margin. He is unbeaten on 54* in 152 deliveries as the play for day suspended 4 overs quickly due to inadequate lights.
Here’s how the exciting day panned out:
West Indies openers were rock solid and provided a fifty run stand for the first wicket. However, they lost the pillar and hero of their batting line-up, Kraigg Brathwaite, as the first one. Ben Stokes, England’s most dependable all-rounder, trapped him leg before opening the doors for his team’s comeback.
Next, Saqib Mahmood, the lionheart from the first innings, removed Shamarh Brooks to keep England in the hunt. Brooks’s departure brought a flurry of wickets, and England rose to the top in the game.
In beautiful touch, John Campbell was removed by Craig Overton on 35 runs. It was followed by the exemplary bowling display from Chris Woakes, who sent back Bonner, Blackwood and Holder to make West Indies reel on 95-6.
Kyle Mayers then, along with Joshua Da Silva, formed an alliance of 33 runs for the 7th wicket to keep West Indies in the chase. After Mayers, Alzarri Joseph scored a brilliant 28 runs and formed a formidable partnership of 49 runs with Da Silva to bring the Caribbeans closer to 200.
Roach replaced Joseph on the crease, who made sure that England could not wrap up the Caribbeans on the 2nd day. Roach and Da Silva have formed an unbeaten 55 runs stand for the 9th wicket to put their team in a commanding position. Da Silva is on 54* at stumps, and Roach is 25* not out.
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