The Day 5 of the second Test match between England and West Indies in Manchester witnessed an exciting finish as England defeated the visitors by a margin of 113 runs. England declared their innings in the first session to back themselves to bowl out the Windies so as to level the Wisden series. Windies batsman tried to grind their way to secure a draw, but all their hopes were shattered as English spinner Dom Bess ripped through West Indies captain Jason Holder’s defence clearing the last major hurdle for England.
West Indies came in to bat with 312 runs required of minimum 85 overs to clinch the Wisden Trophy. But their top-order batsman lacked confidence and fell prey to an outstanding spell of bowling from England veteran Stuart broad. Broad took three quick wickets dismissing Campbell, Hope and Chase cheaply.
But after the top order collapse, Shamarh Brooks and Blackwood stitched together an amazing partnership that gave the Windies a ray of hope. Brooks scored 62 of 136 balls and Blackwood scored 55 runs quickly of 88 balls. After Blackwood’s and Dowrich’s wicket Windies, captain Jason Holder joined Brooks and played a much-needed knock of 35 runs before falling to a magic delivery by Dom Bess.
Dom Bess produced a dream delivery to dismiss the Windies captain. The ball pitched outside the off-stump and spun a long way to rip through Holder’s defence and finally clipped the top of the middle stump. Holder was left clueless and seemed absolutely stunned after getting out.
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Since Holder’s dismissal, the next two wickets fell in quick succession and England levelled the series after going 1-0 down after the first Test. Ben Stokes was adjudged the Man of the Match for his stellar performance in all departments.
The series which marked the return of international cricket after the forced corona break is all geared up for a thrilling finish in the third Test as both teams are now levelled up on 1-1. West Indies who looked in great touch during the first Test looked exhibited a very rusty performance in the second Test in all three departments of the game. Whereas England looked a completely different team in the second Test after a poor show in Ageas bowl. All eyes will be on Old Trafford in Manchester as it will once again host the final Test match which decides whether Windies will retain the Wisden trophy or whether England will take it back from the visitors.
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