Stoneman’s gritty half century hands hosts hope

HEADINGLEY: Mark Stoneman produced the innings of his career so far to all but book his place on this winter’s Ashes tour and give England a fighting chance of winning this second Test against West Indies.

The Surrey opener’s 52 might not have been the statement hundred he would have hoped for once he reached his first Test half-century.

However, it was an innings of grit forged in a real pressure situation that said much about his character before the challenges that lay ahead in Australia this winter.

Stoneman’s knock was even more impressive given he dislocated the little finger on his left hand after being struck by West Indies captain Jason Holder on 35. Yet after having it pushed back into place, he battled through the pain to reach fifty.

The 30-year-old is Alastair Cook’s 12th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss in 2012.

And while it is hoped he may now have solved that problem position, England still find themselves in a tight spot in this intriguingly-poised Test.

Joe Root’s team, who reached stumps on 171 for three, hold a slender two-run lead after wiping out West Indies’ first-innings advantage of 169.

England’s captain, still at the crease on 45 after sharing an unbeaten 77-run stand with Dawid Malan before the close, now holds the key to his team’s chances.

If he can go on to score a big century, England will believe victory is still possible, especially with the batting of Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali to come.

Yet West Indies know they are still favourites to come back from their innings defeat at Edgbaston and level the series at 1-1 ahead of the final Test at Lord’s. – The Independent