The onslaught of Ben Stokes and Dom Sibley continued on Day 2 as England continue to be on top in the second Test at Old Trafford. Both batsmen, who were batting at 86 and 59 at the end of days play on Day 1 further went on to score hundreds. Stokes scored a fantastic 176 off 356 deliveries whereas Sibley went on to score his 2nd Test hundred. He scored 120 off 372 deliveries before getting dismissed by Roston Chase.
West Indies weren’t at their best bowling during the first session as Shannon Gabriel was wayward. Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph were the only bowlers bowling some perfect lines. Stokes and Sibley didn’t look too bothered while facing any of the West Indies bowlers as they went on to add 260 runs for the 4th wicket.
Stokes-Sibley pile on agony for West Indies
As England crossed the 300 run mark, both batsmen thought of accelerating things. Soon after, Dom Sibley fell prey Roston Chase as he tried to slog Chase, only to get caught at deep mid-wicket. Sibley’s wicket was followed Ollie Pope’s wicket just 4 overs later as Chase trapped him in front of the wicket. Soon Ben Stokes also got out for 176 as he nicked one behind to Dowrich. Kemar Roach, who was wicketless since the first Test, finally had a wicket to his name.
Post Stokes’s wicket, the downfall began for England as they kept losing wickets in quick succession. Chris Woakes playing his first match of the series was dismissed on the very first ball by Roach. With Kemar Roach on a hat-trick, Sam Curran walked in. Jos Buttler who was hanging around since a while got out after scoring 40 runs off 102 balls.
England captain Joe Root finally declared after scoring 469 runs. West Indies now to survive close to 15 overs in the final session. Both openers John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite walked in to bat, Stuart Broad who was making a comeback in this Test was ready to bowl the first over.
Just under 10 overs, West Indies lost their first wicket in the form of Campbell who was struck LBW by Sam Curran. West Indies sent their nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph at No.3. The youngster managed to survived the remaining 4 overs as the visitor’s finished at 32/1 at the end of day 2.
Brief Score – England – 469/9 (Stokes – 170, Sibley – 120; Roston Chase – 5/172, Kemar Roach – 2/58) West Indies – 31/1 (Joseph – 14*, Campbell – 12; Sam Curran – 1/8)
