Trent Bridge, Nottingham – England surged to a commanding series win, dismantling the West Indies in a single session on the fourth day of the second Test. The hosts secured victory by a staggering 241 runs, sealing the series 2-0 with one match remaining.
Set a daunting target of 385 to win or tasked with surviving four sessions to save the game, West Indies faltered dramatically. Their promising start, reaching 61-0, quickly disintegrated into chaos, collapsing to 82-5 within a frenetic six-over spell. Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir orchestrated this demolition, sending the visitors into a tailspin.
Woakes, England’s reliable seamer, initiated the downfall by twice finding the edge to remove openers Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir then produced a mesmerizing spell, claiming 3-8 in just 15 deliveries. The collapse left the West Indies reeling and extinguished any hopes of a miraculous comeback.
From that point, the only suspense was whether the game would extend into Monday. England’s aggressive bowling ensured it did not.
Mark Wood’s fiery bouncer dismissed Kevin Sinclair, Gus Atkinson struck twice in three balls, and Bashir completed his exceptional performance with the final two wickets, finishing with figures of 5-41. The West Indies were all out for 143, securing England’s triumph with more than a day to spare.
This emphatic win was built on the solid foundation laid by centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook in England’s second innings. Root’s 122 marked his 32nd Test century, placing him just one short of Sir Alastair Cook’s England record. Brook’s 109, his maiden Test ton on home soil, complemented Root’s efforts, propelling England towards a formidable total.
Despite a late-innings wobble, where England lost 7-96, their earlier dominance ensured they had enough runs and time to press for victory. This collapse, while momentarily unsettling, provided Ben Stokes’ side the additional overs they needed to seal the game decisively.
England’s triumph at Trent Bridge marks their first series win since their tour of Pakistan in 2022, a significant milestone as they continue to build momentum. The team’s performance underlines their resurgence in Test cricket, combining experienced stalwarts like Root with emerging talents such as Brook and Bashir.
Captain Ben Stokes, reflecting on the win, praised the team’s all-round effort. “It’s been a phenomenal series for us so far,” Stokes remarked. “The way the bowlers responded today, especially Bashir and Woakes, was outstanding. And to see Joe and Harry score crucial centuries was a testament to our batting depth.”
Looking ahead, England will aim for a clean sweep in the final Test at Edgbaston, starting Friday. An unchanged squad has been named, signaling confidence in the current lineup’s ability to deliver another commanding performance.
For the West Indies, this series has been a harsh reminder of the challenges in Test cricket. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged the need for introspection and improvement. “We need to reflect on our performances and come back stronger. There’s a lot of talent in this team, and we’ll work hard to bounce back,” Brathwaite stated.
As England celebrates a well-deserved series win, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion at Edgbaston, where they will look to cap off their dominance with a 3-0 sweep.
