Stuart Broad & Chris Woakes Leave England On Top
England will head into the final day of the second #raisethebat Test match, in pursuit of a series-levelling victory. It was bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes who ensured England remained on top.
The West Indies began the day as they ended day three after no play was possible yesterday. With the huge task facing them of a 437 deficit, opener Kraigg Brathwaite and relative newbie Shamarh Brooks kept the tourists in the match.
Nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph began the morning showing off his impressive array of strokes. Finally, he was dismissed for a flamboyant 32 off the bowling of Dom Bess.
However, it was the immovable Brathwaite who went on, churning out runs whenever bowlers strayed onto his areas of strength. Partnerships formed between himself, Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks.
When Brathwaite was dismissed with the score at 199-4, for a well made 75 from 165 deliveries, the West Innings cause soon faltered. Out and out number 11 Shannon Gabriel was the last man out, moments after being struck sweetly in the unmentionable. Gabriel lost his off stump to a slower ball from Chris Woakes.
It was the returning Stuart Broad and Woakes with the second new ball in hand, who inflicted most of the damage on the Windies batting order, both men finishing with three wickets.
Ben Stokes Defends Stuart Broad Decision
Aggressive Root Captaincy Backfires For Buttler & Crawley
With a healthy first innings advantage of 182, in search of quick runs, England captain Joe Root sent out the attacking duo of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. This was in the place of regular openers, Burns and Sibley.
A change of batting position brought about no change of luck for Buttler. The out of nick wicketkeeper was bowled by Kemar Roach without scoring. Crawley soon followed suit after a brisk 11. England were not dying wondering as the days play drew to a close.
Ben Stokes and Joe Root saw out the days play and the hosts’ finished on 37-2, 219 runs in-front.
Day 5 Preview
Day five looks set to be another thriller, much like the conclusion to the first match of the series. With an extended 98 overs available England will hope they have enough time to add quick runs before bowling their visitors out once more.
Lastly, could Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes help England to victory tomorrow?
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