ENG vs WI: 1st Test – Talking points from fourth day’s play

Day four of the first Test between England and West Indies at the Rose Bowl, Southampton demonstrated the value of winning a session. West Indies held the upper hand before the play began but England fought back to strengthen their position in the game. Their hard work in the first two sessions was defied by West Indian bowlers. Holder’s men snatched five wickets in the final phase to leave the hosts reeling at 284/4. England are currently leading by 170 runs. The situation sets up for an enthralling finish on the fifth day.

English openers bat out a session…almost!

Batting in a tricky period of 10 overs late on the third day, Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley were impressive as they returned unseparated. The pair continued in the same vein on the morning of the fourth day. Batting under sunshine, Burns-Sibley thwarted the West Indian attack although they did not dominate them. The introduction of off-spinner Roston Chase saw Burns (42 runs) losing his concentration and giving his wicket away just four overs before the lunch break.

Sibley, Crawley impress

After their failures in the first innings, English batting line-up gave a better account of themselves. Playing proper Test cricket, they built their innings, however, none went on play a definitive innings. Sibley, who registered his maiden fifty, received a reprieve after Gabriel had overstepped. But the bowler dismissed him quickly. Zak Crawley registered the top score of the innings with his knock of 76.

West Indies clinch the final session

When England resumed their third session on 168/3, the possibilities of hosts saving the game grew stronger. However, West Indian bowlers thought otherwise. Causing a sensational collapse, England lost five wickets for just 30 runs. Jason Holder, for the second time in the Test, sent back his opposite number Ben Stokes. Crawley handed a simple return catch to Alzarri Joseph. The bowler then combined with Gabriel to dismiss three more English batsmen, all bowled. England finished the penultimate day of the Test eight wickets down.

All results possible heading into Day 5 ?

Scorecard & Clips: https://t.co/isZyv1L8Bz#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/rcUIUr7AMq

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2020