ENG vs WI – English batsmen show fluency in warm-up game

International cricket is all set to return on 8th July with the first Test match between England and West Indies. While the West Indies started their preparations last week with an intra-squad match, England followed suit this week. The English contingent divided themselves into two teams headed by Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. Joe Root missed this match since he is away for personal reasons. The three-day warm-up match at Rose Bowl, Southampton ended in a draw.

James Bracey, the young 23-year old from Essex, hogged the headlines in the first innings with his knock of 85. He faced James Anderson, Ben Stokes and Jack Leach while compiling his knock. Dan Lawrence and Joe Denly were the other two batsmen who posted confident scores.

Ollie Pope, playing from Team Buttler, posted the only other half-century of the game. He remained not out for 55 while Rory Burns, Buttler and Chris Woakes reached 30s. Team Stokes were chasing 255 in the 4th innings. The captain played an attractive knock of 33 from 17 balls which included 3 sixes. However, with the target 98 runs away, the match was called off. The teams mutually decided that they had enough practice.

Team Buttler have set Team Stokes a target of 255 to win!

WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/ONIoP1DzLk pic.twitter.com/iL5saf6jYB

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 3, 2020

Amongst the frontline bowlers, Anderson and Jofra Archer snapped two wickets each in the match. Jack Leach took a three-wicket haul in the second innings while Stuart Broad finished wicketless after his 19 overs in the match.

The first Test will begin at the same venue from 8th July.