The fourth day of the Second Test match between England and West Indies in Manchester witnessed a close encounter between bat and ball as 11 wickets fell on the day, with West Indies forced to close their first innings on 287 runs. England who had a healthy lead decided to go all guns blazing in the second innings as they sent out Ben Stokes and dashing batsman Jos Buttler to open the innings. But contrary to their expectations, Windies bowler Kemar Roach ran through the English top order by cartwheeling the stumps of Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley.
After restricting West Indies to a score of 287 runs, England came out to bat in the second innings with a completely attacking mindset. Instead of their usual opening pair of Rory Burns and Dom Sibley England sent out the dashing duo of Ben Stokes and Jos Butler to open the batting. As rain completely washed out the third day’s play, it was important for England to score quick runs in the second innings so as to keep their winning hopes alive.
But England’s unconventional decision received a backstab after Kemar Roach ran through the English batting top order castling the stumps of Jos Buttler and young Kent batsman Zak Crawley.
While Buttler edged Roach’s delivery to the stumps, Zak Crawley was left with no clue as Roach’s brilliant quick delivery took his middle stump for a ride. Crawley looked in great touch scoring 11 quick runs before falling to an outstanding delivery from Roach.
England finished day four on 37/2 as English captain Joe Root and his deputy Ben Stokes did the repairing work after the damage caused by Kemar Roach. Stokes ended the day on 16 not out and Root on 8 not out.
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England will be looking to declare after scoring quickly in the first session tomorrow to keep their hopes alive for leveling the series for Wisden trophy. Earlier this day they succeeded in restricting West Indies to 287 runs despite rain playing spoilsport on the third day.
Whereas Windies will be looking to attack English batsman to inflict a collapse or will be pinning their hopes on Shai Hope and the rest of the batting lineup to grind through the last day to secure a draw to clinch the three-match series.
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