England beat West Indies, set up grand finish in final test

The West Indies lost to England by 113 runs, to set up a grand stand finish in the Bio- Secure RaiseYourBat series.

Set an improbable 312 to win yesterday, the last day, at Old Trafford, West Indies folded for 198. After England’s fast bowler Stuart Broad had creamed off the top half of their batting, to leave West Indies at 37 for 4, a fifth-wicket partnership between Shamarrh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood, gave the West Indies some hope of at least saving the match. The two added 100, before Blackwood departed for 55. Thereafter, the West Indies innings fell away, with Brooks going for 62, and captain Jason Holder chipping in with a valuable 35.

Leading England’s bowling was Broad, who bagged 3 for 42, and there were two wickets each for Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Dom Bess.

Earlier, England got quick runs to declare for the second time, at 129 for 3. Stokes lashed out to make 78 not out, as he was promoted to open the batting. Roach took 2 for 37.

It was Stokes’ second significant contribution with the bat, having scored 176 in England’s first innings. in which Dominic Sibley stroked 120, as England reached 469 for 9. Bowling for the West Indies, Roston Chase took 5 for 172 and Roach, 2 for 58.

West Indies in reply, were dismissed for 287; Kraigg Brathwaite scored 75, Brooks, 68 and Chase, 51. Broad and Woakes had three wickets each, while Sam Curran collected two.

The third and decisive test bowls off this Friday at the same Manchester venue.