Cricket

James Anderson, Ben Stokes shine as England tighten their grip over the West Indies on Day 2 of Lord’s Test

Sportem
Sportem
6 Min Read

England made a spectacular start to Day 2 of the Lord’s Test, bolstered by commanding half-centuries from Harry Brook and debutant Jamie Smith, propelling the team to an impressive total of 371 runs in response to the visitors’ first innings score of 121. Building on their strong batting performance, England’s pace bowling attack dominated proceedings, with veterans James Anderson and Ben Stokes leading the charge. Their formidable display restricted the Windies to a precarious 79/6 by stumps on the second day with Windies stalwart Jason Holder falling to Gus Atkinson on the final ball, further solidifying England’s commanding position in the match.

England’s batting brilliance led by Jamie Smith

The second day began with England’s overnight batters, Joe Root and Brook, continuing their measured approach from the previous day. They quickly brought up the 200-run mark, extending their partnership to 91 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite the West Indies pace trio’s efforts, England reached 250/4 by the halfway mark of the session. However, a strategic bowling change paid off for the visitors as Gudakesh Motie‘s delivery cleaned up Stokes, shifting momentum momentarily. Smith then steadied the ship, contributing valuable runs alongside Chris Woakes, before Motie struck again just before lunch, removing Joe Root with England at 293/6.

Middle order resilience

Post lunch, Woakes and Smith stabilized England’s innings with a 42-run partnership, handling the spin threat effectively. By the 80th over, England had advanced to 329/6, but Jayden Seales struck with the new ball, dismissing Woakes and denting England’s progress. Holder added to England’s woes by dismissing debutant Atkinson for a golden duck. However, Smith’s determined fifty on debut anchored England’s total, helping them reach 371, securing a commanding lead of 250 runs.

Also WATCH: James Anderson removes Kraigg Brathwaite with an absolute peach on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test

England’s bowlers strike early: James Anderson and Ben Stokes

With a significant lead in hand, England’s bowlers took charge with the new ball in hand. Anderson and Stokes struck early to remove Kraigg Brathwaite, Kirk McKenzie and Mikyle Louis, leaving the West Indies struggling at 36/3. Kavem Hodge fell soon after, and despite a brief resistance from Holder and Alick Athanaze, the Windies ended the day at 79/6. Anderson’s dismissal of Athanaze in the 29th over and Holder’s wicket in the 35th further by Atkinson strengthened England’s grip, with the visitors trailing by 171 runs at stumps.

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Also READ: ENG vs WI: Pictures of James Anderson’s custom shoes for his farewell Test in Lord’s go viral



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