ENG vs WI: 3rd Test – Talking points from second day’s play
England tightened their grip on the Wisden Trophy by dominating the second day of the third Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. West Indies began the morning session in a spectacular fashion by taking four quick wickets. But Stuart Broad defied all their expectations. His quick-fire knock of 62 allowed England to come back into the game and then the home side was excellent with the ball. At the end of the day, West Indies were struggling on 137/6 with captain Jason Holder (24) and wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich (10) at the crease. West Indies are still 232 runs behind. Earlier, England had resumed their first innings on 258/4.
English collapse
After a strong partnership from Ollie Pope and Jos Buttler on the opening day, England would have hoped to get somewhere around 400. But West Indian pacers thought differently. Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach unleashed themselves to push the hosts on the back foot. From 262/4, England suddenly found themselves struggling at 280/8. Gabriel after bowling an eventful over to Jos Buttler, castled Pope for 91. He later accounted for Buttler too, whom he had earlier dismissed off a no-ball. Roach, meanwhile with the other two wickets, became the ninth West Indian bowler to complete 200 Test wickets.
Broad’s way
When even 300 looked a little out of reach for the English side, there was another twist in the tale. Stuart Broad not known for his batting since 2014, came out swinging. Attacking from the word go, Broad gave no respite to the pace bowlers. His entertaining knock of 62 runs came from just 45 balls, which included England’s 3rd fastest Test fifty of all time. His innings of nine fours and a six pushed England over 300 and saw them going past 350 as well. Broad’s patience eventually ended against Roston Chase and handed a catch at deep square leg.
West Indies fall hard
Genius @jimmy9 ?
Scorecard/Videos: https://t.co/pvF724ZqtE#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/wQv4K0ddNM
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 25, 2020
James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer – England finally managed to piece together their best possible pace bowling unit and it gave dividends. Broad struck in the second over of the innings as Kraigg Brathwaite walked back. The other opener, John Campbell looked in good touch but fell to a viciously rising delivery from Archer. Anderson then struck in quick succession to send back Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks. Broad returned to claim Chase, thus leaving West Indies at 73/5. Jermaine Blackwood and Holder started the recovery process. Chris Woakes then castled Blackwood to put the visitors in a spot of bother. Dowrich, who looked shaky against the short stuff, survived till the end of the day.
