Another entertaining day ended in the second Test between England and West Indies at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The visitors faced early trouble this morning, losing some quick wickets and teetering on the brink of conceding a lead. However, a brilliant last-wicket partnership between Joshua Da Silva and Shamar Joseph turned the tables. The pair added a crucial 71 runs off 78 balls, helping their side gain a 41-run lead and injecting life back into the contest.
Positive response from English batters
In response, the English batters showcased a positive approach. Despite Zak Crawley’s unfortunate run-out, Ben Duckett (76) and Ollie Pope (51) steadied the innings. Mixing caution with aggression, both batters smashed their half-centuries and were in excellent form, setting a solid foundation for England’s innings.
Change of ball shakes things up
However, a change of ball midway through the innings altered the game’s momentum. Alzarri Joseph found new life with the ball, taking advantage of the change to dismiss both Duckett and Pope in quick succession. This sudden shift in the match put England under pressure once again.
Harry Brook to the rescue
Despite the setbacks, Harry Brook (71 no) stepped up for England. He played a vital role in stabilizing the innings, scoring quick runs and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Alongside Joe Root (37 no), who was tentative at times but managed to weather the tricky phase, Brook ensured England maintained their position of strength.
Also WATCH: ENG vs WI – Ben Stokes shakes his head in frustration after Zak Crawley’s unfortunate run out in the 2nd Test
England in command with a big lead
As the day ended, England led by 207 runs, holding the upper hand in this engrossing Test match. The West Indies pacers put in a decent effort but lacked the penetration needed to consistently trouble the English batters. With a lot of time left in this Test, the fourth day promises more intense cricket. The key will be which side can absorb the pressure better as the match progresses.
Here is how fans reacted:
All done and dusted on Day 3 ✅ pic.twitter.com/DDa4NG7cDX
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 20, 2024
Absolute star of England cricket #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/mNamzg5Bzo
— DK (@socialist_dky) July 20, 2024
An extraordinary 10th wicket partnership between Joshua De Silva & Shamar Joseph has propelled the West Indies to their highest test score in almost 10 years! Their 71 run partnership takes the tourists to a score of 457 – a lead of 41 over England. Who saw that coming? #ENGvWI
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) July 20, 2024
England need to bat two sessions tomorrow. Pitch is too good to dangle the carrot with the target. Well batted today by England though #ENGvWI
— Kieran Buxton (@kieranb81) July 20, 2024
Plenty of ups and downs in the 2nd #EngvWI test in the 3 days..now #Eng look set for a strong enough lead to defend.
— movieman (@movieman777) July 20, 2024
Harry brook in test cricket!!!!
Matches – 14
Innings – 23
Runs – 1338
Average – 63.71
Strike rate – 91.45
Hundreds – 4
Fifties -9– HARRY BROOK – The future star of England’s cricket!!!!#ENGvWI #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/G5JAdHwKwY
— Cricketman (@Manojy9812) July 20, 2024
Key partnership between Root/Brook. Clatter of wickets could have turned match towards WI but batsmen resisted and scored at good rate. 2 sessions of batting could put match beyond WI. WI will feel Eng’s approach will give them chance to take wickets #ENGvWI#Cricket
— MediumPaceDobbler (@MediumPaceDobb1) July 20, 2024
Ollie Pope backs up his first innings 💯 with a 5️⃣1️⃣ in the second innings at Trent Bridge 🙌
Well-batted, Popey!#WTC25 | #ENGvWI#T20WC #T20WorldCup #ChampionsTrophy #EnglandCricket #Westindiescricket
#Josbutler
#T20WorldCup2024 #IPL #ChrisGayle#ImRo45 #imVkohli… pic.twitter.com/rmm8MMhVlL— Subash Chandra (@dasarisubash) July 20, 2024
Ben Stokes appreciating OLLIE POPE innings in the dressing room at Trent bridge!!!!!#ENGvWI #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/Z68eCjCobp
— Cricketman (@Manojy9812) July 20, 2024
Well done to Root and Brook for steadying the ship. Sets up a cracking day tomorrow. Cant see England not stepping up and trying to apply the pressure #ENGvWI
— HandyAndy4 (@handyandy4) July 20, 2024