West Indies wallop England Cricket
The West Indies won their first test cricket series against England in 10 years after annihilating the tourists inside three days in the second test yesterday.
England were routed for 132 in a calamitous second innings and the West Indies knocked off the 14 runs needed for a 10-wicket victory on a dramatic day in Antigua. The hosts clinched the test series with a match to spare as England’s batsmen were again skittled for a terribly poor total.
The West Indies completed their first innings in the first session; Darren Bravo the last man out after facing 215 balls for 50. But he helped his side to a 119-run lead on a dodgy pitch.
England, after making 187 in the first innings, needed to show grit. But the English attacked instead of digging in and were routed for 132, leaving the West Indies needing just 14 to win.
John Campbell cracked a six over mid-wicket off James Anderson for the winning runs and he and fellow opener Kraigg Brathwaite joined their team in a lap of honour.
Earlier, Bravo with help from captain Jason Holder (18) and tailenders Kemar Roach (6), Alzarri Joseph (7) and Shannon Gabriel (1 not out), reached his 17th test half-century before he was stumped.
Joseph’s commitment to the cause was also noted. His mother, Sharon Joseph, died before play began. He also bowled, taking 2-12 off seven overs, including the prize of England captain Joe Root for the second time in the match.
‘‘Alzarri’s mum passed away, so we rallied around each other, we wanted to do it for her,’’ Holder said. ‘‘For Alzarri to be involved, credit to him and his family.’’
England started steadily until opener Rory Burns was out to Holder for 16 on 35-1. Then wickets fell regularly, four bowled, and two lbw, as fast bowlers Holder (4-43) and Roach (4-52) held their lines and lengths.
Roach was man of the match for his eight wickets. Jos Buttler ‘‘top scored’’ for England with 24.