West Indies survive late England pressure to draw second Test in Barbados

Kraigg Brathwaite, once again, provided stern resistance to prevent England from pulling off the unlikeliest of victories on day five in Barbados, with the three-game series remaining level at 0-0.

Having already occupied the crease for over 700 minutes throughout his mammoth first-innings knock of 160, Brathwaite’s unbeaten 56* from 184 balls subsequently broke the record for the most deliveries faced by a West Indies batsman across an international match to ensure his side avoided defeat.

Assisted by the efforts of Jermaine Blackwood (27) and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva (30*), Brathwaite fought off the stubborn efforts of the English attack, particularly Jack Leach, who finished with figures of 3-36 despite bowling a total of 94.5 overs throughout the match.

Whilst a draw was undoubtedly the likeliest of results at the start of play on the final day, England, for the second game in succession, ended proceedings as the stronger outfit, only for a handful of wickets to be the difference between success and stalemate.

Despite their failed pursuit of victory, the tourists exhibited a skilful and attacking display in all aspects of their performance.

Commencing play in need of quick runs on 40-0, Alex Lees soon fell to Veerasammy Permaul, losing his wicket and England’s first for 24 runs.

Similarly, Joe Root was dismissed for eight, shortly before Joseph claimed the wicket of Zak Crawley (40).

Dan Lawrence (41) and Ben Stokes (19) demonstrated attacking intent in the first innings, and both batsmen continued to do so the second time around.

Stokes smashed a six off Kemar Roach prior to the seamer gaining revenge on the Durham all-rounder; Lawrence continued to win plaudits and assert his dominance on the West Indian bowling unit.

Joined by Jonny Bairstow (25), the duo posted 51 runs in only seven overs for the fifth wicket. Bairstow’s consecutive sixes off Joseph being the highlight of his short but enterprising score.

The pair were dismissed on the stroke of lunch, which led to Root and England opting to declare ahead of the afternoon session with a lead of 281.

That decision was vindicated only five overs into West Indies’ second innings when John Campbell (10) gloved onto his thigh pad, allowing Lees to take a simple catch and providing Leach with his first wicket.

14-1 soon became 23-2 as Shamarh Brooks (4) edged Saqib Mahmood’s delivery to Crawley at second slip where the 24-year-old spilt and then parried the ball towards Root, who took the eventual catch.

Mahmood impressed on debut and quickly picked up his second to dismiss Nkumrah Bonner, leaving the hosts in a precarious position at 39-3.

Nonetheless, as they did in the first innings, Blackwood and his skipper set about constructing a partnership that would dent England’s hopes of securing a series lead.

Blackwood’s consumption of 84 balls proved vital in the context of the match; he survived 24 overs before edging into the hands of Bairstow.

Though that work was in danger of being made redundant when Jason Holder (0) was caught brilliantly by the diving Lawrence at cover, handing Leach a third wicket with one of the left-arm spinner’s worst deliveries of the day.

Holder would, however, be able to take one of the biggest sighs of relief inside the Kensington Oval when Brathwaite and Da Silva saw out the remaining 20.3 overs to secure a draw. The former registered his 25th Test 50 in the process.

Understandably, Root was encouraged by his England’s showing, reserving specific praise for his side’s mental strength.

“I can’t ask any more of the group. They were brilliant again. The attitude was excellent. The concentration and ability to take those chances with some tired bodies around was a great effort, so a lot of good signs again throughout the whole game, so a really pleasing week.”

Meanwhile, Brathwaite outlined his hope for a pitch that is more receptive to bowling in Granada in the hope of avoiding another draw in the final Test.

“We put in a very big effort but we want a result in the last Test. We have to see what they produce [pitch in Grenada]but let’s hope it has something for the pacers.”

The third Test of the series begins on Thursday in Granada, with play commencing at 14:00 GMT.

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