WI vs ENG, 1st Test: Hosts lead by 62 runs
West Indies gained a precious first-innings lead on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound. They finished the day on 373/9, with middle-order batter Nkrumah Bonner scoring a century. He showed incredible resistance, taking the hosts past the 350-run mark. The lower middle-order too contributed with vital runs, extending WI's first-innings lead to 62.
How did Day 3 pan out?
West Indies resumed from their overnight score of 202/4 on Day 3. They lost Jason Holder early on in the first session. Bonner shared a crucial stand with wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva, who scored 32 (88). The former went on to slam his second Test ton. Meanwhile, Kemar Roach (15) and Veerasammy Permaul (26*) scored pivotal runs. WI finished on 373/9 at stumps.
Second Test century for Bonner
Bonner led West Indies' innings with a formidable century, his second in Test cricket. He rescued the Caribbeans in the final session on Day 2 after they were reduced to 127/4. The middle-order batter then stitched a valuable partnership with Jason Holder. He finished with 123 off 355 deliveries (12 fours, 1 six) on Day 3. He played wonderfully with tail-enders.
Bonner achieves this feat
Bonner took as many as 335 deliveries to score 123 in the first innings. He spent a total of 558 minutes in the middle. Since 2014 (Kraigg Brathwaite vs Bangladesh), he has faced the most deliveries by a WI batter in an innings.
Ben Stokes took two wickets
All-rounder Ben Stokes was the pick of England's bowlers in the first innings. He scalped two wickets for 42 runs in 28 overs (seven maidens). Pace spearhead Craig Overton also accounted for two wickets. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach bowled a total of 43 overs in the innings. As many as 20 of these were maiden overs. He dismissed Joshua Da Silva.
