England head towards another draw against West Indies in Barbados

Kraigg Braithwaite continued to frustrate England for the second game in a row with his mammoth 160 setting the second Test on course for another draw.

Jermaine Blackwood, along with Braithwaite, put on a partnership worth 183 to help West Indies recover from 101/3. Blackwood also hit a century as the English bowlers once again struggled to find their rhythm in the Caribbean.

Though, day three did begin in the right way for the tourists. Matthew Fisher and Jack Leach restricted the flow of runs and the latter quickly picked up the wicket of Shamarh Brooks (39).

Nkrumah Bonner also hit two boundaries in quick succession after arriving at the crease but Ben Stokes replied two overs later by trapping him LBW (9).

The Braithwaite-Blackwood partnership lasted 406 balls as all seven bowlers could not find a way through the defence of either batsman.

It was clear that West Indies prioritised avoiding defeat over pushing for a win as their defensive masterclass lasted five overs before the end of play on the third day. The wicket of Blackwood, for 102, came in unlikely fashion as Dan Lawrence turned the ball into his pads as the batter surprisingly opted to not play at the ball.

Day four began in a similar way for both sides. Braithwaite and Alzarri Joseph (19) put on a fifty partnership before Stokes picked up his second wicket of the innings and the only wicket of the morning session

The start of the afternoon sessions sparked jubilant scenes amongst the Barmy Army as Saqib Mahmood picked up his first-ever wicket in Test cricket. After he was denied a wicket on day two, the long-awaited moment finally arrived when Jason Holder top-edged his shot into the hands of Fisher.

More frustration, however, followed for England as they were forced to wait 17 overs for their next wicket. Leach managed to end Braithwaite’s brilliant innings after delivering an unplayable ball. The West Indies skipper lasted at the crease for 709 minutes, facing 489 balls in the process.

The hosts’ tail did not prove as tough of a challenge with Woakes, Leach, and Mahmood picking up the final three wickets as West Indies were bowled out for 411 in the evening session.

Both Alex Lees and Zak Crawley saw England through until the end of play on day four, finishing the session 40/0. England currently lead by 136 runs going into day five and Joe Root’s men will look to add quick runs onto their score before declaring and attempting to bowl out their opponents despite the unlikely circumstances they face.

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