Century stand saves England blushes
WORLD OF SPORT
JOE ROOT and Chris Woakes’ unbroken century stand ensured England’s cricketers overcame another collapse against spin in their series-clinching four-wicket win over West Indies.
Root (90no) and Jason Roy (52) appeared to have put England on course for a comfortable chase on a used pitch in this second one-day international in Antigua.
Liam Plunkett (three for 32) did most damage as West Indies were bowled out for 225 in 47.5 overs at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium despite Jason Mohammed’s half-century.
But the tourists, so vulnerable against spin across the formats in the sub-continent for much of this winter, found Ashley Nurse (three for 34) and Devendra Bishoo a familiar stumbling block.
They faltered from 87 for one to 124 for six – with five of the top seven failing to reach double figures.
Root and Woakes (68no) then played with great skill and nerve, the former with his first international half-century at only his second attempt since being named England’s new Test captain last month.
He sensibly allowed Woakes to dominate the scoring, with just his second List A 50, as they responded to crisis point to see their team to an unassailable 2-0 lead with 10 balls to spare.
Root’s eventual share brought him just three fours from 127 balls.
Woakes, on the other hand, helped himself to five fours and two sixes from 83 in their partnership of 102, as Windies found themselves a bowler short with Shannon Gabriel off the pitch following only three new-ball overs because of a side strain.