England were on ꧃the driving seat when they ended Day 4 on 37-2 with a lead of 219 runs. Ben Stokes, who opened in a Test match for the first time as England sought quick runs was unbeaten on 16 and Joe Root was on 8 not out.
The duo 🐻started the final day with the intention to add quick runs and give🎃 at least two sessions to the bowlers to win the second Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Stokes yet again shined for the hosts as he brought up a half-century in just 36 balls. The southpaw is currently the highest run-getter and highest wicket-taker of 2020.
In fact, Stokes smashed threeไ sixes in his inspirational innings of 78 runs not out before skipper Root, who contributed in a 50-run partnership with Stokes, announced the declaration. England reached 129/3 when the Root signalled the much-awaited declaration setting West Indies the target of 312 runs to win the second Test.
England declare 🏴
West Indies wi🦋ll be ch💖asing 3️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ in 8️⃣5️⃣ overs 👀 SCORECARD ▶️
— ICC (@ICC)
Most sixes in Test cricket (among current players):
- 74 – Ben Stokes*
- 72 – Tim Southee
- 61 – Angelo Mathews
- 56 – David Warner
- 52 – Rohit Sharma
- 52 – Ross Taylor
7️⃣8️⃣* runs
5️⃣7️⃣ balls
3️⃣ sixesAnother 🔥 knock from Ben Stokes!
— ICC (@ICC)
For the visitors, Kemar Roach was the only bowler who g🧜ot success in terms of taking wickets. The right-armer sent Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley back into the pavilion on Day 4. Root, who was the only wicket which fell on Day 5ꦐ for England, was run-out.
