England’s Bowlers Strike Back After Brathwaite’s Fifty
Introduction: In the ongoing third Test at Edgbaston, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s half-century gave his team a solid start. However, late strikes by England’s bowlers turned the tide in their favor. By lunch on Day 1, West Indies stood at 97/3, with Brathwaite unbeaten on 56.
Early West Indies Resilience:
Brathwaite and his opening partner Mikyle Louis began cautiously, navigating the challenging conditions. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson tested the batsmen with full deliveries, but Brathwaite found opportunities to score. He capitalized on anything loose, driving confidently to the boundary.
Mark Wood joined the attack, initially bowling full but quickly switching to short-pitched deliveries. Brathwaite responded well, including a top-edged four off a short ball. Louis also showed promise, scoring boundaries off Woakes and handling the short-pitched tactics with composure.
Key Partnerships and Turning Points: Louis’s partnership with Brathwaite looked solid as they reached the first hour without losing a wicket. Atkinson, however, broke the stand, getting Louis to edge behind for 26. This dismissal triggered a shift in momentum.
Kirk McKenzie, who joined Brathwaite, started aggressively, hitting three boundaries off Atkinson in one over. But his promising innings was cut short by a sharp delivery from Wood, which swung in and uprooted McKenzie’s middle stump.
England’s Late Session Dominance: Alick Athanaze, the new batsman, struggled against England’s disciplined bowling. He fell just before lunch, inside edging a pull shot onto his stumps off Atkinson, leaving West Indies in a tricky position.
Summary: At lunch, West Indies were 97/3, with Brathwaite anchoring the innings at 56 not out. England’s bowlers, led by Atkinson (2-40) and Wood (1-19), made crucial breakthroughs, putting pressure on the visitors. The post-lunch session promises more action as England aims to capitalize on their late strikes.
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