England stumble as Windies dominate first day
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|| CF Correspondent ||
Bowlers lead West Indies on the first day of second Test against England. As a result, England fold for 187 runs in their first innings in Antigua on Thursday.
Paceman Kemar Roach clinched four while Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph respectively claimed three and two wickets for the hosts. In reply, openers Kraigg Brathwaite (11) and John Campbell (16) survived 21 overs to be 30 without loss at stumps.
It was another disappointing performance from the visitors who face a 381-run-defetat in the first Test. The green and lively pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound was certainly a mitigating factor in England’s performance.
After winning the toss Holder sent England to bat first. West Indies’ strike bowlers delivered more than their fair share of loose deliveries, but aided by the pitch, produced enough quality to make short work of England’s top order, with only number three Jonny Bairstow looking comfortable at the crease.
England's resistance with the bat lasted just 61 overs and runs came courtesy Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali's half-centuries. Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel were the wreckers-in-chief, sharing seven spoils between them.
The top-order crumbled around Bairstow, who hit a brisk 52, while Moeen combined with Ben Foakes for a vital 85-run stand that helped England avoid total catastrophe.
Bairstow was out for 52 in the first over after lunch, lbw to Roach on video review, after the umpire had turned down the initial appeal. Then, Moeen Ali (60) and wicketkeeper Ben Foakes (35) added 85 runs for the seventh wicket.
The relief though was short-lived. England witnessed collapse post Tea, losing their four remaining wickets for just 15 runs. Eerily similar to how it unfolded after Lunch, Roach struck early after Tea as well to take out the half-centurion Moeen, who fell to a nothing shot. At the other end was Gabriel who sent Foakes on his way after he dragged a pull shot onto his stumps.
On the another side, Alzarri Joseph got the prize scalp of Root (7) with a virtually unplayable ball that rose viciously off a good length, struck the bat handle and looped up into the slip cordon.
Roach, who collected five wickets in the first innings of the first test, picked up 4-30 off 15 overs, while Shannon Gabriel chipped in with three wickets, Joseph two and Holder one.
England opener Keaton Jennings was axed after his underwhelming performances in the first Test, replaced for a test debut by 32-year-old Joe Denly, who was out for six playing a poor shot, caught behind off Joseph.
England were in trouble at 55 for 4 and 93 for 6, but Moeen and Ben Foakes gave the innings some respectability. The blow to his hand resulted in Bairstow taking his place behind the stumps for the West Indies innings while Foakes received treatment. Meanwhile, West Indies lead the three-test series 1-0.
