ENG vs WI: 1st Test – Talking points from enthralling final day

A few weeks ago, it all seemed a distant dream. Fighting the coronavirus pandemic, live sports had to be stopped and for valid reasons. Overcoming the crisis, administrators found a way to safely arrange the game that we love. International cricket arrived back on the horizon as West Indian cricketers stepped on the English shores. The first Test that the visitors ended up winning by four wickets was a subplot to cricket returning to our screens.

The final day of the first Test was set up tantalisingly. England lost their remaining two wickets after adding 29 runs to their overnight total of 284/8. West Indies had to chase down 200 runs in order to clinch the victory. They did achieve the task but there were a few hiccups in the way. Here are the major talking points from the final day.

Fired-up Archer

Former West Indian bowler Tino Best had riled up Jofra Archer on Twitter by bashing his bowling performance in the first innings. On the fifth day, Archer showed a bit of his fire with the bat as he added crucial 23 runs in the end. With the ball, he was exceptional. His controlled aggression which included a few unplayable deliveries pushed West Indies on the backfoot. He injured the toe of opener John Campbell who had to retire hurt. Archer then accounted for Kraigg Brathwaite and Shamarh Brooks to leave the visitors reeling at 7/2. Later, he bowled a steeply rising delivery to dismiss a well-set Roston Chase. This wicket allowed England a chance to get back in the game.

Blackwood stands tall

Jermaine Blackwood was under severe scrutiny for frequently throwing his wicket away. However, in this demanding situation, the Jamaican batsman rose to the occasion. Playing a cautious knock with a hint of attacking intent, he slowly took West Indies closer to the victory. He looked all set to celebrate the win with his century but attempted a daring shot on 95 which caused his downfall.

West Indies go 1-0

Blackwood fell with 11 runs remaining for the victory. Injured John Campbell returned to join captain Jason Holder in the middle. The duo inched closer to the target and eventually finished the game with Campbell scoring the winning run. England had their chances but failed to turn up in the field as possible run-out chances and catches went begging. Shannon Gabriel was named Man of the Match for his match haul of 9/137.

?Stat Alert?
West Indies is the only away team to chase a target of 200+ twice in England in this century??????#WIReady #ENGvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/yCkqfao244

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 12, 2020

The second Test between England and West Indies will begin on 16th July (Thursday) at Old Trafford, Manchester.