The second Test match between England and the West Indies at Trent Bridge has witnessed a remarkable performance from West Indies batsman Kavem Hodge, who scored his first Test century, helping his team mount a significant fightback on day two. Hodge’s impressive innings of 120 runs, coupled with a solid partnership with Alick Athanaze, who contributed 82 runs, has put the West Indies in a competitive position as they continue to chase England’s first innings total of 416 runs.
After England’s dominant display on the first day, where they managed to reach 416 all out, the West Indies faced an uphill battle. The absence of England’s record Test wicket-taker, James Anderson, who recently announced his retirement, was felt as the West Indies began their innings. By lunchtime, the team found themselves in a precarious position, having lost three wickets.
However, the afternoon session proved to be a turning point for the West Indies. Hodge and Athanaze formed a formidable partnership, adding 175 runs for the fourth wicket. Their resilience and determination allowed the West Indies to reach 212-3 at tea, putting pressure back on the English bowlers.
England captain Ben Stokes eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Athanaze shortly after the tea break, leaving the West Indies at 218-4. Hodge, who had been dropped on 16 by Joe Root, continued to build on his innings and showcased his talent with an array of shots, bringing the West Indies closer to England’s total.
As the day progressed, Hodge’s innings became the highlight, and he reached his century with a mixture of poise and aggression. His eventual dismissal for 120 runs came late in the evening session, but by that time, the West Indies had made significant strides, closing the day at 351-5 and trailing England by just 65 runs.
On the bowling front, England’s Shoaib Bashir played a crucial role by taking two wickets in the morning session, capitalizing on some poor batting from the West Indies’ top order. The pitch conditions were favorable for batting, and the West Indies openers, Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell, managed to start steadily, navigating the early overs against England’s pace attack.
Mark Wood, returning to the squad after missing the first Test, was particularly impressive. His speed was a highlight, with his first over being recorded as the quickest bowled in England since records began. Wood’s fiery spell energized the Trent Bridge crowd and posed a significant challenge to the West Indies batsmen.
As the match heads into day three, all eyes will be on how the West Indies approach their innings. With Hodge leading from the front and the team in a better position than anticipated, the stage is set for a thrilling continuation of the contest. The West Indies will aim to build on their momentum and potentially take the lead over England in this closely contested Test series.
Fans can tune in to watch the live action on Sky Sports Cricket, with coverage starting at 10:15 AM on Saturday, followed by the first ball at 11 AM. The excitement is palpable as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama at Trent Bridge.
