Wisden Trophy Test Series
West Indies Vs England Third Test Played at Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford Manchester
(24-28 July 2020)
Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day Two:
England 369 All Out (OJ Pope 91, JC Buttler 67, SCJ Broad 62, RJ Burns 57 KAJ Roach 4/72, RL Chase 2/32, ST Gabriel 2/77), West Indies First Innings 137/. (JD Campbell 32, JO Holder24*, JC Blackwood 26, JM Anderson 2/17, SCJ Broad 2/17, C Woakes 1/39, J Archer 1/55.)
West Indies Trailing by 232 Runs.
West Indies Won The Toss and Put England To Bat
On a day of fluctuating fortune hosts more tuned to the condition recovered from early shock and awe and then roped the opposition to wretch control of the match. England scored 369 all out adding 111 to their overnight score and then reduced the tourists to136/6 at stumps when bad lights stopped play.
The Sky was overcast, the ball was seaming and swinging. In no time England 258/4 overnight was reduced to 280/8 by devastating spell of pace bowling by Roach and Gabriel. But faithful servant of English cricket Broad playing a swashbuckling innings of 62 of 45 deliveries striking nine fours and a six not only stemmed the rot but also carried England to a match directing score of 369 all out.
Sturat Broad and James Anderson fancy such bowlers friendly overcast condition and a juicy wicket. Years after years tests after test they have faithfully served English cricket in tandem. The pair in no time reduced West Indies 5/73 in no time.
Yesterday at stumps when England was 258/4 we said West Indies by no means was out of the match. We said all West Indies required was getting early break through, reaching the bottom half of English innings and wrap them below 350. We thought any score 350 plus would put England to a commanding position. With the second new ball still fresh Gabriel and Roach bowled at pace and on the target. They gained early success. Poor Pope even getting a let off by big man Corwall in the slip saw his furniture rattled by a brilliant delivery of Gabriel. He could add nothing to his overnight 91. Woakes, Buttler and Archer fell in no time turning 258/4 to 280/8 within the wink of an eye.
Cricket world witnessed a wonderful exhibition of fast moving b bowling spell of Roach and Gabriel. Broad coming at number 10 unleashed counter attack in desperation. His 45 balls 62 runs cameo turned the situation upside down. English reached 356 before Chase could send Broad back to pavilion. By that time his mission was accomplished. England reached 369 before captain cool Holder picked Anderson. On such a wicket the score appears a winning one.
West Indies starting their reply ran into immediate disaster. In typical English condition with the perfect bowling condition two past masters Anderson and Broad were immediately into their wicket taking mode. Brathwaite, Campbell, Hope and Brooks fell for 59 on board within 25 overs. Off them only Campbell was looking to play positively.
Blackwood also tried. But the four men English pace attack (Stokes not included) was too good. Holder with 24 and Dorwiich with 10 were at the crease when bad light saved the day for the tourists. Trailing still by 232 runs West Indies can only be saved by rain and if it rains heavily over the next two days. Otherwise it will be game set and match for the home team.
BDST: 1210 HRS, JUL 26, 2020
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