[England registered a thumping 241-run win over West Indies to claim the second Test match and a series win at Trent Bridge on Sunday, July 21. Joe Root and Harry Brook recorded quick centuries to help England set a challenging target and then Shoaib Bashir picked a five-fer to bowl out West Indies to 143 on Day 4 in Nottingham.
The win did not come without its challenges as England found themselves trailing by 41 runs after the first innings. However, a resilient fightback in their second innings saw them amass a total of 425 runs. Harry Brook was instrumental in this effort, scoring 109 runs off just 132 balls. Complementing him was Joe Root, the former England captain, who scored 122 runs off 178 balls to record his 32nd Test century.
West Indies began their chase of a daunting target of 385 with some promise. Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis managed to put up a partnership of 61 runs. Nevertheless, England’s bowlers mounted a spectacular comeback to skittle the visitors for 143 in just 36.1 overs, securing the series win with a full day to spare.
The bowling attack was spearheaded by Shoaib Bashir, whose remarkable five-wicket haul on home soil played a crucial role in dismantling the Caribbean batting lineup. Chris Woakes also made a significant contribution, breaking the opening stand by dismissing Mikyle Louis in the 14th over.
England’s dominance on Day 4 was set up by the solid foundation laid by Root and Brook. The pair resumed play with an unbeaten 189-run stand for the fourth wicket, pushing the run rate to over five an over. Brook, intent on maintaining momentum, continued his aggressive innings, while Root’s composed approach saw him reach his 47th international century.
Even though West Indies tried to fight back by claiming three wickets in the first session, Root’s unyielding performance kept the scoreboard ticking. On the bowling front for West Indies, Jayden Seales was the standout performer with a four-wicket haul, and Alzarri Joseph contributed two wickets to bowl out England for a total of 425 in 92.
.2 overs.
In related highlights, the match saw Joe Root equaling contemporaries Steve Smith and Kane Williamson by clinching his 32nd Test century. This was an important milestone, adding to England’s joy of sealing the series.
The West Indies’ response kicked off with a glimmer of hope. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, alongside Mikyle Louis, gave the team a steady start. However, the fall of Louis led to a dramatic collapse. Only Brathwaite and all-rounder Jason Holder managed to surpass the 20-run mark, scoring 47 and 25 runs respectively.
Holder’s efforts were dwarfed by England’s bowling onslaught, with Shoaib Bashir shining as the protagonist. Bashir’s performance was complemented by the supporting cast, ensuring the opposition did not recover after the initial breakthrough.
Ollie Pope, who had been England’s silent hero throughout the match, was deservingly awarded the Player of the Match. Pope’s aggregate of 172 runs across both innings played a pivotal role in England’s recovery and eventual triumph.
The victory at Trent Bridge not only secured the series for England but also underscored the team’s depth and capability to bounce back from difficult situations. Despite initial setbacks, the resilience displayed by the batters and the precision of the bowlers highlighted a balanced and proficient side led by Ben Stokes.
As England looks ahead, this win will bolster their confidence, especially with the continued rise of newer talents like Harry Brook and Shoaib Bashir making impactful contributions. For the West Indies, this loss will be a moment of reflection, illustrating the challenges they face in sustaining competitive performance under pressure.
With the cricketing world watching, England’s performance in this series has sent a clear message about their prowess and ambition in the Test arena. The series win at Nottingham stands testament to their determination and skill, paving the way for more thrilling encounters in the future.]
