ENG vs WI: 2nd Test – Talking points from fourth day’s play
The rain did take out the entire third day of the second Test between England and West Indies, but the game is still alive. We are in for an exciting final day’s action at the Old Trafford, Manchester as West Indies will be batting last to gain a positive result. West Indies finished on 287 all out after resuming from their second day’s score of 32/1. Securing a lead of 182 runs, England opened their second innings with Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. The home side eventually ended the day on 37/2. They will be eyeing to score quickly on the fifth day and insert the opposition once again.
West Indies stand their ground
Resuming after a washout on the third day, the game was meandering towards a draw unless England could skittle the West Indies cheaply. The visitors needed to bat out time and ensure no wickets for the English bowlers. Nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph hovered around for the first 10 overs until Dom Bess accounted for him. Shai Hope occupied the crease (25 runs) but failed to put up a tall score. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite (75) and Shamarh Brooks (68) then staged solid resistance as West Indies moved towards the English total.
Broad returns
England’s second-most successful Test bowler, Stuart Broad was neglected for the first match. The non-selection stung him and the pacer showed it with his performance in the third session. He first trapped Brooks in front of the stumps. Then removed both Jermaine Blackwood and Shane Dowrich in his successive overs. The spell pushed West Indies on the back foot and gave England the hopes of enforcing the follow-on. From 242/4, West Indies stuttered to 252/7. Broad not only gave a demonstration of his skills but also proved the Master Blaster correct.
There is a spring in @StuartBroad8’s walk and I have a feeling that he is out on the field with plenty to show. #ENGvWI
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 17, 2020
Follow-on or not?
At 252/7, West Indies were still 17 runs short of avoiding the follow-on ordeal. With Roston Chase and Jason Holder at the crease, it was still very much achievable. However, Chris Woakes sent back Holder to put the opposition in a spot of bother. Chase kept his calm in the company of Kemar Roach and struck two boundaries to get his team out of the misery. The side added 18 more runs to finish 182 runs short of the English total.
