Bowlers’ delight as England collapse for 77

Having dominated with the ball on the first day, England collapsed in Barbados after ending West Indies’ first innings.

The tourists were bowled out for a mere 77 after West Indies finished their innings on 289.

James Andeson and Ben Stokes impressed on the first day’s play, taking four and three wickets respectively, and the hosts were only able to add an additional 25 to their score in the second day’s morning session; however, England’s batsmen endured a torrid spell in Barbados and were dismissed in a fashion to which supporters have become accustomed to.

The tourists were dismissed for the lowest Test total at the Kensington Oval as Kemar Roach took 5-17, Jason Holder 2-15 and Alzarri Joseph 2-20.

England’s batting collapses no longer come as a surprise for fans and their latest calamity comes ten months after they were dismissed for 58 by New Zealand in Auckland; however, the way in which they were humiliated by a side who sit above only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the International Cricket Council was a severe concern.

England would have been relatively pleased with the 23-0 score they held shortly before lunch but Keaton Jennings’ departure was a signal of things to come as he was the first of ten wickets to fall in 21.2 overs.

Roach’s devastating pace ruined England as he took 5-4 in 27 balls in front of the home support, beginning with Jennings’ exit.

Rory Burns followed Jennings twelve runs later at 35-2, before five wickets fell for just five runs as Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root were upended prior to ducks from Stokes and Moeen Ali. Jos Buttler was the fifth batsman to depart as England were skittled on 49-7.

The wickets began to fall less quickly as Ben Foakes and Sam Curran reached 73-9, but an embarrassing performance with the bat was concluded as Adil Rashid was caught on 12 by Holder.

Having witnessed an almighty batting collapse, England deserve credit for their response with the ball.

Moeen Ali ended Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell’s opening partnership of 52 and took three wickets as the hosts tumbled to 61-5.

But Hetmyer’s aggression from the first-innings continued into the second, hitting two fours and two sixes as he clocked 31 from 43 balls before being caught by Buttler off Curran’s delivery.

Shane Dowrich resumes plays on Friday with 27 along with Holder on 7.