LEVEL SERIES

England leveled the three-match series against England with a 113-run victory on the final day (Monday) at Old Trafford. Manchester, England.

Set an improbable 312 to win the second Test after the hosts declared their second innings on 129 for three an hour into the morning play, West Indies collapsed at 25 for three at lunch thanks to veteran fast bowler Stuart Broad (3-42) who produced a lethal bowling with the new ball.

Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood scored a polish half century, but the West Indies’ fragile top order was again exposed. Brooks top scored with 62 while Blackwood made 55, the pair put on an invaluable 100 partnership for the fifth wicket to revive the innings, hoping the regional team will try for a draw and retain the Wisden Trophy.

Once again Blackwood perished in the final over before tea as West Indies wobbled again, losing their last six wickets for 61 runs to be all out for 198 with 14.5 overs left in the day’s play.

Fast bowling all-rounder Ben Stokes (2-30) and Chris Woakes (2-34), along with off-spinner Dom Bess (2-50), all finished with two wickets each, Broad claimed three wickets for 42, firing England to a crucial victory and keeping alive their hopes of recapturing the Wisden Trophy, ahead of the deciding Test on Friday.

Man-of-the-Match Stokes had earlier set the tone for England’s victory after they resumed on 37 for two, as he blasted an unbeaten 78 from 57 deliveries, to stun West Indies in the morning session.

Dropped on 29 in the second over of the day by John Campbell at deep extra cover off speedster Shannon Gabriel, the left-hander blasted the West Indies attack with three fours and three sixes as England increased their lead.

Once the declaration came in the first hour, it left West Indies with a minimum of 85 overs to save the game and retain the Wisden Trophy, but things fell quickly away.

Scores: England 469 for nine declared and 129 for three. West Indies 287 and 198.

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