England’s batsmen took center stage on the third day of the second test against West Indies at Trent Bridge, propelling their team to a commanding position. Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook each notched half-centuries, guiding England to a formidable 248-3 and a lead of 207 runs.
The day began with a thrilling fightback from West Indies, who had managed a first-innings lead of 41 runs thanks to a remarkable last-wicket partnership of 71 between Joshua Da Silva and Shamar Joseph. Da Silva’s unbeaten 82, including three towering sixes, and Joseph’s explosive 33, featuring two massive sixes, one of which smashed tiles on the pavilion roof, had injected much-needed momentum into the West Indies innings.
England, however, countered with a display of controlled aggression. Duckett, the opener, struck 11 fours before he was trapped lbw by Alzarri Joseph for 76. Pope, fresh off a century in the first innings, chipped in with another valuable 51 before being caught at gully by Kevin Sinclair.
The foundation for England’s dominance was laid by the unbroken partnership of 108 runs between Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook remained unbeaten on 71 at the close of play, while Root, the England captain, was 37 not out. This partnership not only neutralized the West Indies’ earlier gains but also put England in a commanding position heading into the final two days of the match.
England’s victory in the first test at Lord’s, an innings and 114 runs, has been overshadowed by this impressive display of batting dominance in the second test. The momentum clearly swings in England’s favor as they aim to seal a series victory.
