England have shown yet another poor display by drawing again, this time in their second test in the West Indies, as captain Joe Root admitted that he “could have been a bit braver” with declaration as England head to Grenada for third test.
Day five of England’s second test in Barbados was thwarted by West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite who faced more deliveries ever by a West Indies’ batsman in this test.
England gave themselves two sessions to overcome West Indies and try and take a 1-0 lead in the series, taking their fifth wicket after tea to set up a nerve-wracking final hour.
However, the Windies skipper survived 184 balls for 56 not out to deny England once again. The opener batted for a staggering 673 balls across both innings.
England had earlier declared on 185-6 at lunch and had reduced Windies for 39-3 before Brathwaite saw off 25 overs alongside Jermaine Blackwood.
In the final session, Blackwood was caught at gully for 27 by spin-bowler Jack Leach and Jason Holder was taken at cover for a duck, but the Windies captain and his wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva did enough to keep England at bay.
Five days of grit, determination and giving everything for each other.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 20, 2022
We draw in Barbados, but we head to Grenada ready to repeat our efforts and attitude.
Scorecard: https://t.co/N282Bi8Apj
🏝 #WIvENG 🏴 pic.twitter.com/FtgxFc78Sj
The series is level at 0-0 heading into the final test, and follows England’s 4-0 hammering in the Ashes earlier this season.
Despite this result, captain Root says he can “demand no more of this group” with them scoring 509-7 declared in the first innings, the first time which they have passed a score of 500 since February last year.
“If we keep putting ourselves in these positions it won’t be long before we see ourselves winning a Test match here.”
Will England’s bad luck continue in the third test in Grenada which starts on Thursday?
