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

West Indies dominated the third day of the first Test against England at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. The visiting batsmen showed great application and carried their side to a significant lead of 114 runs. Kraigg Brathwaite and Shane Dowrich struck half-centuries while English captain Ben Stokes picked a four-wicket haul. England had to bat out 10 overs remaining in the day. The openers gathered 15 runs in the tricky batting period without any damage.

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Brathwaite, Dowrich stand tall

West Indies resumed the proceeding from their score of 57/1. Third day’s first wicket came via Dom Bess who got rid of Shai Hope with his flighted delivery. Hope’s struggle in the longest format continued with another low score. Opener Brathwaite remained firm at the other end as Shamarh Brook began confidently. Stokes removed Brathwaite for 65, which is the highest individual score of the match thus far.

West Indies soon lost half their side with the score 186/5. However, then walked out their highest run-getter in Tests since 2018 – Shane Dowrich. The diminutive wicketkeeper played a solid knock of 61 which included 8 fours. He along with Roston Chase (47) carried West Indies past England’s total and secured a sizable lead.

Ben Stokes chips in with the ball

The English all-rounder top-scored for his side and then provided crucial wickets with the ball. First, it was James Anderson who broke the 81-run partnership between Chase and Dowrich. Stokes got into the action by removing his counterpart. He then dismissed Alzarri Joesph and Dowrich to stop West Indies from running away with the game. Mark Wood applied the finishing touches by dismissing Shannon Gabriel as West Indies totalled 318 in their first innings. Stokes, who completed 150 Test wickets during this innings, finished with the figures of 4/49.

1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ Test wickets for @benstokes38! ?

Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/ldtEXLDT8V#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/ags39ezyP0

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 10, 2020