Birmingham, July 28, 2024 – As lunch was called on Day 3 of the third Test between West Indies and England at Edgbaston, the visitors found themselves in a precarious position at 151/5, leading by 57 runs. The first session of the day saw a spirited fight from the West Indies batsmen, aiming to extend their lead and challenge the hosts in this crucial Test.
Morning Session Highlights
Resuming at 282 in their second innings, West Indies faced a tough task against a disciplined England bowling attack. Kavem Hodge was the standout performer for the visitors, reaching an impressive half-century with a flurry of boundaries. His 52 off 58 balls, studded with seven fours, was pivotal in stabilizing the innings after the early loss of Jason Holder.
Key Moments:
- Jason Holder’s Dismissal: Holder’s wicket was a critical breakthrough for England. Gus Atkinson, continuing his remarkable form, delivered a perfect inswinger to trap Holder LBW. Despite Holder’s review, the decision stood, leaving West Indies at 146/5.
- Gus Atkinson’s Impact: Atkinson has been a revelation in this series, claiming 22 wickets thus far. His figures of 2/20 from 6 overs reflect his consistency and ability to trouble the batsmen with pace and movement.
Players to Watch
Kavem Hodge: Hodge played a vital innings, reaching 52 off 58 balls. His ability to counterattack and maintain a high strike rate provided some stability to the West Indies innings. His partnership with Joshua Da Silva will be crucial in setting a competitive target.
Joshua Da Silva: Da Silva, though scoring only 2 runs off 11 balls, has shown resilience. His role in supporting Hodge and building a partnership will be essential for the West Indies’ hopes in this match.
Ben Stokes: Stokes bowled with aggression and precision, taking the crucial wicket of Da Silva. Despite conceding 42 runs in his 8 overs, his ability to extract bounce and seam movement makes him a constant threat.
Session Summary
The session saw West Indies add 69 runs to their overnight total, but the loss of Holder’s wicket was a setback. The team now leads by 57 runs with five wickets in hand. The partnership between Hodge and Da Silva will be pivotal as West Indies aim to extend their lead and put England under pressure.
Scorecard Snapshot
- West Indies: 282 & 151/5 (41 overs)
- Kavem Hodge: 52* (58 balls, 7×4)
- Joshua Da Silva: 2* (11 balls)
- England: 376
- Gus Atkinson: 6-0-20-2
- Ben Stokes: 8-0-42-1
Looking Ahead
As the match progresses into the second session, West Indies will aim to build a substantial lead. England, on the other hand, will be keen to break the partnership and restrict the visitors to a manageable target. The game remains finely balanced, promising an exciting contest in the coming sessions.
Read: England vs. West Indies Third Test: England 38-3 After West Indies Score 282 at Edgbaston
Fan Reactions
Fans have been particularly impressed with Gus Atkinson’s performance. James, a cricket enthusiast, commented, “What a find Gus Atkinson is. 22 wickets (and counting!) in a three-match series is a helluva way to start your Test career.”
With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to seize control in the next session. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as this gripping Test match unfolds.
