[Watch] Shoaib Bashir strikes twice in two overs to put West Indies on backfoot in 2nd Test
Right-arm off-spinner Shoaib Bashir struck twice in two overs to put the West Indies on the backfoot in the fourth innings of the 2nd Test match on Sunday, July 21, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Earlier in the day, England were bowled out for 425 in 92.2 overs, giving the West Indies a mammoth target of 385 runs.
In response, the West Indies were off to a decent start. After 14 overs, the Caribbean side were 66/1. Ben Stokes introduced Bashir into the attack in the 15th over, and the off-spinner immediately provided his side the breakthrough.
Bashir bowled a length ball outside off on the third ball of the 15th over. Left-handed batter Kirk McKenzie went for a cut but only managed an under edge, which was safely taken by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. McKenzie scored only one run off five balls as his wicket left the West Indies at 66/2 after 14.3 overs.
Bashir then got rid of first-inning centurion Kavem Hodge on the last ball of the 17th over. The off-spinner bowled a fuller delivery outside off that turned sharply and struck on the pads of the right-handed batter. Hodge tried to clip it to the leg side but missed it as he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. The visitors found themselves at 75/4 after 18 overs.
Here’s the video of Bashir getting the double strike:
At the time of writing, the West Indies are in deep trouble, having lost eight wickets for 118 runs in 32 overs. Kraigg Braithwaite’s side need 267 more runs to win the game.
Centuries from Harry Brook and Joe Root help England set a massive target for West Indies
England ended Day 3 at 248/3 with Joe Root (37*) and Harry Brook (71*) at the crease. The hosts carried on the momentum on Day 4, as both the overnight batters completed their centuries.
Brook scored 109 runs off 132 balls, hitting 13 boundaries in his inning. Meanwhile, star batter Joe Root brought up his 32nd Test century, as he scored 122 runs off 178 balls, smashing 10 boundaries.
Jayden Seales was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, taking four wickets, as England scored 425 runs in their second inning.