England restored a healthy lead over the West Indies on day three of their second Test at Trent Bridge.
The hosts came out to bat at the start of the second innings having trailed by 41 runs after the Windies finished on 457 all out.
Read our other sports news stories:
Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies aged 91
Leclerc relishing opportunity to work with Hamilton at Ferrari
Pope hails ‘lucky charm’ Ramsdale
But they managed to record a healthy 248-3 by stumps, leaving them with an advantage of 207.
Joe Root and Harry Brook put together an unbroken partnership of 108, while Ben Duckett hit 76 earlier in the day.
Joshua da Silva and Shamar Joseph had added 71 for the last West Indies wicket before they came back out to field, but it still may not be enough as England powered on.
Some bizarre tactics towards the end of the first innings from Ben Stokes’ side left much of the crowd confused, despite a promising period with the second new ball.
They had their opponents at 386-9 but struggled to take the last wicket, with Da Silva and Joseph hitting five sixes between them.
End of play 🕒
England end the day on 248-3 with Joe Root and Harry Brook putting up a brilliant partnership 💪
England lead by 207 going into Day 4 at Trent Bridge.
Live reaction ⬇️#ENGVWI #BBCCRICKET
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) JULY 20, 2024
457 was the West Indies’ largest total in England since 1995 but the 41-run lead was quickly wiped out by Duckett and Ollie Pope.
Both were eventually dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, but Brook and Root’s terrific partnership has restored England’s tag as favourites for the second Test.
All-rounder Chris Woakes was pleased with England’s efforts and says he is hoping they can make a fast start on Sunday as well.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It was a good day’s cricket, it went back and forth a bit, and that partnership at the end was a crucial one for us in terms of getting a grip of the game.
“We’re still not in complete control because tomorrow morning is going to be crucial. But that partnership in tricky conditions, when it got a bit dark and they had a newer ball, it was tough. The boys batted really well and hopefully they can kick on in the morning.”
