England vs West Indies 2020, 2nd Test, Day 4 – Twitter Reactions
Stuart Broad [Photo-Twitter]

Last Update on: July 19th, 2020 at 11:39 pm

Another cracking day of Test match cricket at Old Trafford ensured that the 2nd match between England and West Indies is fascinatingly poised. After having taken a 182-run lead, England, in pursuit of quick runs sent Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to open the innings in the wee hours of the 4th day. But the ploy turned out to be disastrous as Kemar Roach knocked over Jos Buttler for a duck.

Roach then proceeded to knock-over Zak Crawley, meaning the likes of Ben Stokes and Joe Root had to buckle down and the duo ensured that the home side did not lose any more wickets, and finished the day at 2-37 and an overall lead of 219 runs.

Earlier in the session, with the West Indian top-order blunting out a majority of the first two sessions and taking the score to 4-227 at Tea- just 43 runs away from saving the follow-on- England needed someone to put their hand up and insinuate a possible collapse.

And, just like he has done throughout his career, Stuart Broad turned out to be that man for England. With new cherry in his hand and his legs pumping, Broad ran through West Indian middle-order in the first hour of the post-tea session.

England vs West Indies 2020, 2nd Test, Day 4 – Twitter Reactions
Stuart Broad [Photo-Twitter]
Broad’s first victim was the half-centurion Shamarh Brooks, who was pinned dead in front of the wickets for 68. Roston Chase survived an LBW scare after he successfully overturned the decision via DRS but Jermaine Blackwood, the hero of the last match, wasn’t that lucky as he got cleaned up by Stuart Broad for a six-ball duck.

Shane Dowrich was also trapped right in front of wickets by Broad for a two-ball duck while Jason Holder fell to Chris Woakes after he poked it straight to Root in the slip cordon. Shannon Gabriel lasted just five deliveries, meaning England claimed a 182-run-lead after the first innings.

Also Read- James Anderson Hoping To Play Four Out Of Six Tests This Summer

Roston Chase half-century helped West Indies save the follow-on on the 4th day against England

England, West Indies
Roston Chase [Photo-Twitter]
Roston Chase’s rearguard action ensured that West Indies managed to save the follow-on. The right-hander continued with his impressive form and went on to accumulate a half-century in 83 balls. He fell immediately though after England decided to challenge the on-field call of LBW off the bowling of Chris Woakes to leave West Indies nine down.

Earlier, Alzarri Joseph and Kraigg Brathwaite started the day on a positive note. Joseph rode his luck before eventually getting dismissed for 32 after he failed to counter the extra bounce and gave a catch to Ollie Pope at short-leg.

Shai Hope played some delightful strokes during his 71-ball 25 but just as he was looking to convert his start into a big knock, Sam Curran brought an end to his innings when he nicked him straight to Jos Buttler.

The second day also saw the first instance of a cricketer breaking the no saliva rule after Dom Sibley admitted of using some saliva on the ball, leading to umpires’ disinfecting the ball.

England, West Indies
Kraig Brathwaite [Photo-Twitter]
Meanwhile, Shamarh Brooks and Kraig Brathwaite [75] went on to accumulate a 76-run-stand for the 4th wicket before Ben Stokes’ was finally rewarded for his 11-over vigil when Braithwaite failed to counter the bounce and gave a simple return catch.

 

Here is how Twitter reacted to the 4th day of the England vs West Indies 2nd Test:

https://twitter.com/FourOverthrows/status/1284911719005880321

https://twitter.com/KeejayOV2/status/1284901163670876160

 

 

https://twitter.com/Ehsancricket/status/1284884194343018496?s=19

Yash Mittal

Just a student of this beautiful game called cricket. Writer. Storyteller.