Edgbaston, Day Two of Five
West Indies 282 (Brathwaite 61; Atkinson 4-67) & 33-2 (Louis 18; Woakes 1-8)*
England 376 (Smith 95, Root 87; Joseph 4-122, Seales 3-79)
West Indies trail by 61 runs
Jamie Smith’s brilliant 95 helped England gain control of the third Test against West Indies on a captivating second day at Edgbaston. Smith’s aggressive innings, featuring 12 fours and a six, propelled England to 376 in response to West Indies’ first-innings 282.
West Indies faced a difficult final hour, losing skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and Kirk McKenzie cheaply, ending the day on 33-2, 61 runs behind England. The visitors had earlier made a strong start, capturing the wickets of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook quickly to leave England at 54-5.
Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes steadied the ship with a crucial 115-run stand for the sixth wicket. Smith and Chris Woakes (62) then took charge, showcasing fluent strokeplay to push England ahead.
West Indies started day three at 12-0 after a first-innings deficit of 40, but openers Joylord Gumbie and Prince Masvaure fell with the total on 38. The visitors recovered with a 68-run partnership between Dion Myers (57) and Sean Williams (40).
Matthew Humphreys claimed his maiden Test wicket, dismissing Brian Bennett. Andy McBrine’s 4-38 helped bowl out West Indies for 197. However, Richard Ngarava’s devastating spell left Ireland reeling at 33-5, chasing 158 for victory.
“We knew it would be a tough period but we were confident that we could chase down the total,” said Irish skipper Balbirnie. “We faced some pretty hostile bowling and could have played some better shots. We are still confident that we can chase this with experienced test batters but it will be tough.”
Scoreboard Summary:
West Indies 282 & 33-2
Kraigg Brathwaite: 61; Dion Myers: 57; Sean Williams: 40
England 376
Jamie Smith: 95; Joe Root: 87; Chris Woakes: 62
West Indies Bowling:
Alzarri Joseph: 4-122; Jayden Seales: 3-79; Shamar Joseph: 2-83