2nd Test, Day 2: England on top versus West Indies
The England cricket team is on top versus West Indies on Day 2 of the second Test versus West Indies in Barbados. Resuming the day on 244/3, the visitors went on to make 507/9 before declaring. Ben Stokes smashed a fluent century to lead the charge. In response, the hosts are 71/1 from 27 overs, losing John Campbell for four. Here's more.
How did Day 2 pan out?
England started well on Day 2 as Joe Root and Stokes added 129 runs for the fourth wicket. Root, who slammed a ton on Day 1, was out for 153. Stokes continued his heroics as Ben Foakes and Chris Woakes chipped in with substantial knocks. The Windies (71/1) lost Campbell early on before Kraigg Brathwaite and Shamarh Brooks batted with purpose to stand tall.
A superb century-plus stand
WI got Daniel Lawrence in the final over on Day 1 to get a sigh of relief. However, the start of Day 2 was difficult as Root was at his best and Stokes supported him well. The two played as per their strengths. Stokes took the attack to the bowlers and played aggressively once settling in. The valiant century-plus stand helped England.
Stokes surpasses 5,000 Test runs
Stokes' charge helped England score 125 runs in the first session. Stokes brought up his century off just 114 balls. He slammed his 11th Test century, besides surpassing the 5,000-run mark (5,036). Stokes' positive frame of mind helped England up the ante as runs came flowing. Later on, Foakes (33) and Woakes (41) chipped in to help England get past 500.
Brooks and Brathwaite help WI fightback
Matthew Fisher nipped out Campbell with his second ball in Test cricket. However, Brooks and Brathwaite ensured that WI suffered no further setbacks after that. Both showed enough character to help their side dig in. For England, Jack Leach is getting some purchase off the pitch and batting is expected to get tougher as things progress.
