West Indies vs England 3rd Test Day 2: Da Silva leads recovery after middle-order collapse

Mar 25, 2022

West Indies vs England 3rd Test Day 2: Da Silva leads recovery after middle-order collapse Image

After a couple of yawn-inducing games, the third Test match, in Grenada, provided the viewers with enthralling, hard-fought sessions where West Indies just about managed to take a slender lead of 28 runs by the end of Day 2.

Seven down for just 127, the West Indies did not seem to have the a fight in them to reach close to England's 204. But then came Joshua da Silva, who showed great composure and resilience. Kemar Roach hung around with him as well, keeping the English bowlers at bay for close to 17 overs.

And they are not done yet. Da Silva brought up his half-century with a superb flick off Craig Overton to the mid-wicket region, and he will resume on 54. Roach has played over 10 overs by himself for his 25.

Chris Woakes, the leader of the pace attack, were unable to exert pressure on West Indies openers. Overton, his new-ball partner, appeared as toothless in his opening spell. As a result Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell played over 16 overs and added 50 runs for their opening stand.

Ben Stokes then who provided the breakthrough by pinning Brathwaite leg-before on 17. Campbell departed soon afterwards, edging to Ben Foakes off Overton.

Woakes came back in the afternoon session to get rid of Nkrumah Bonner, Jason Holder, and Jermaine Blackwood and reduce West Indies to 95/6. Kyle Mayers and Alzarri Joseph provided some resistance down the order before Da Silva and Roach took West indies to 232/8 at stumps. 

England 204 (Saqib Mahmood 49; Jayden Seales 3-40) trail West Indies 232/8 (Joshua Da Silva 54*; Chris Woakes 3-48) by 28 runs.