Stuart Broad showed he remains a real asset to English test cricket. On Day 2, Stuart helped to return the advantage back to England. Stuart’s 62 runs and 2 wickets gave the home side a real chance of winning this Test and the series.
The advance weather forecast was wrong. Rain did not fall in the morning and the third Test resumed on time.
At 258-4 England were light on runs. It was hoped Jos Buttler (56no) and Ollie Pope (91no) could push England towards a total of 400. It was not to be. With only 4 runs added, Pope was left stranded on 91 when he was bowled by Shannon Gabriel.
The West Indies bowlers were on song.
Chris Woakes fell for 1. Jos was then caught by Jason Holder off Gabriel having scored 67 (7 fours, 2 sixes). This valuable innings may now silence the debate about Jos’ place in the starting XI.
At 280-8 England were in trouble.
Stuart Broad came out to bat and set about the bowling. Batting with freedom and scoring swiftly, Stuart’s tempo reduced the upbeat mood of the bowlers to a joyless lament. Stuart’s blows with the bat gave him a 33 ball 50 (8 fours, 1 six). It was the joint third fastest 50 by an England player.
Stuart was caught off a slog-sweep for 62 runs. His ninth wicket partnership with Dom Bess (18no) adding 76 invaluable runs.
As lunch beckoned, England were all out for 369.
In this one session, the Test swung from England towards the West Indies and then back in England’s favour.
The West Indies came out to bat and Stuart and James Anderson turned back the years. Both took two wickets, the batters looking vulnerable against bowlers in tune with their artful crafts.
Again, bad light ended play early. At close, the West Indies were 137-6, Stuart having taken 2-17 off 10 overs.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images for ECB)