England extend control over the West Indies- England vs West Indies, Test 2, Day 2
Sibley and Stokes walked to the crease on the start of day two with England 207-3.
The England batsman started the day in the same fashion as they finished yesterday. Both were cautious and mindful of the shots that were playing with neither looking to accelerate the scoring massively.
The West Indies were had no joy with the old ball, there was something swing and movement in the air but there was no threat of taking a wicket. They eventually took the new ball that was available but still no luck for the visitors.
The Warwickshire batsman Sibley got the century that his batting richly deserved. Stokes nearly reached the same achievement before lunch but finished the morning session on 99.
Stokes reached the century mark shortly after the resumption of play. The Durham man soon began to accelerate the run rate and began to attack the West Indian bowling attack.
Stokes soon passed Sibley’s total and looked to increase the England total.
Midway through the afternoon session, England lost their first wicket on since the middle of the afternoon session on day one. Sibley tried to attack the spinner Roston Chase but his shot found the man in the deep and the opening batsman was out for 120.
Pope joined Stokes at the crease but fell for only 7. Despite losing two wickets in the afternoon session, England remained firmly in control and entered tea 378-5.
Buttler and Stokes resumed after tea and once again looked to accelerate. Buttler started very positively, hitting three fours off of Chase’s bowling in a single over.
Stokes was then caught after an attempted reverse sweep. The vice-captain nicked the ball the wicket keeper. Roach then got his second wicket in two balls when Chris Woakes edged a ball to first slip. The Warwickshire bowler was out for 0.
Buttler and Curran continue to add to England’s score taking the lead past 400. Buttler moved onto 40 was out shortly after. His shot found the man in the deep and the Lancashire wicket keeper fell to the bowling of Holder.
Curran fell not too long after Buttler. Caught of Chase’s bowling, Curran completed the West Indian’s 5 wicket haul.
Broad and Bess boosted England’s total with some quick run scoring. Bess took attacked the spinner Chase. Root had finally seen enough and declared. England finished their first innings on 469-9.
The West Indies has to survive one hour before the end of stumps at day two. They battled against the new ball. Curran got the breakthrough that England wished for in the final hour. He trapped Campbell on the crease and the batsman was out lbw.
Night watchmen Joseph came to the crease and managed to survive till the end of play. England nearly had a second but chose not to review an appeal. If they had done so they would’ve had their second of the session.
England would’ve hoped for more than one wicket in the final hour especially considering the poor weather that is being reported for tomorrow.
England will hope that if there is any play tomorrow their bowlers will be able to take advantage of the new ball and that spinner Dom Bess will be able to replicate some of the success that Chase had in England’s first innings.
