GRIM SITUATION
Rain plays spoilsport as day three abandoned
Manchester, July 18: Rain prevented any play on the third day of the second cricket test between England and West Indies in Manchester on Saturday.
England, trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, now has only two days left to force a victory.
West Indies will resume Sunday morning on 32-1 in reply to England's first innings 469-9 declared, with Kraigg Brathwaite six not out and nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph unbeaten on 14.
Opener John Campbell fell for 12 on Friday, trapped leg before by Sam Curran.
Ben Stokes top-scored in England’s innings with
176 — his 10th test century — while Dom Sibley hit
120, his second ton.
Jos Buttler also made 40 and Dom Bess finished unbeaten on 31. Off-spinner Roston Chase was the most effective West Indies bowler. He took 5-172 and paceman Kemar Roach picked up 2-58.
West Indies won the first test in Southampton by four wickets.
The third and final match is also in Manchester.
Meanwhile, England allrounder Ben Stokes says star pacer Jofra Archer needs full support of his teammates following his bio-secure protocol breach which led to his dropping from the ongoing second Test against the West Indies here.
Archer will undergo two Covid-19 tests during a five-day isolation period after his unsanctioned trip to Brighton between the first and second Tests.
Stokes said it is the team’s duty to not let Archer feel isolated during this tough phase.
“We really need to be there to support Jofra right now. Obviously he’s a big talking point and he is by himself because of everything else going on at the moment,” Stokes was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“It’s making sure that it doesn’t feel like he’s by himself. The worst thing we could do right now as a team is just leave him and see him in five or six days’ time,” he further added.
Although, further on Saturday it was announced that Jofra Archer will be available for England’s third and final Test against the West Indies next week. — BRIEF SCORES ■ Day 3: England 469/9 dec (Ben Stokes 176, Jos Buttler 40; Roston Chase 5 for 172) vs West Indies 32/1 in 14 overs (Alzarri Joseph batting 14).