Half-centuries from Ben Duckett (76), Ollie Pope (51) and Harry Brook (71 batting) helped England to regain control in the second Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday.
At stumps on Day III, England, after conceding a first-innings lead of 41, were strongly placed at 248/3 with Joe Root (37 batting) also well set.
Root and Brook stitched a brisk unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 108 in 23.4 overs despite overcast conditions as England have stretched their lead to 207.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph dismissed Pope and Duckett in quick succession in the final session of the third day as England slumped to 140/3 from 128/1. But that short phase aside, the Windies bowlers were largely sloppy and erratic in spite of the helpful conditions, allowing the England batters some easy runs.
Earlier, after Zak Crawley’s unfortunate run-out dismissal, Duckett and Pope shared an unbroken century partnership to lift England
to 116/1 and a lead of 75 at tea.
England picked up four wickets in the day’s morning session before Joshua Da Silva (82 not out) and Shamar Joseph (33) forged a 71-run last-wicket stand to take the Windies first-innings total to 457 and leave the game finely poised. But the visitors’ bowlers again failed to make use of the momentum gained.
