England made a stunning comeback in the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. For the first time in Test cricket history, England scored over 400 runs in both innings of a match.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl first. England scored 416 in their first innings, led by a century from Ollie Pope and other solid contributions. The West Indies then fought back, scoring 457 in their first innings to take a lead.

In response, England scored over 400 runs again in their second innings, reducing the deficit. Centuries from Harry Brook (109) and Joe Root (122) gave England a lead of over 350 runs.

Joe Root’s record-breaking performance at Trent Bridge

Joe Root hit his 32nd Test century, including his sixth against the West Indies and his fifth at Trent Bridge. He reached this milestone in just 260 innings, with only Alastair Cook ahead of him among English players.

Historically, teams have scored over 400 runs in a Test innings 12 times. England has been on the receiving end five times. Australia has done it six times, India three times, and South Africa, Pakistan, and England once each.

Australia achieved this six times between 1924 and 2008. South Africa did it against England in Durban in 1939. India scored over 400 against Pakistan in 2005, Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad in 2009, and England in 2024. Pakistan did it against India in Faisalabad in 2006. Recently, England achieved this against the West Indies in the second Test.

Historic achievement for England in Test cricket

England has set a target of 385 runs for the West Indies at Trent Bridge. After being bowled out for 425, England made a remarkable comeback after initially being overtaken by the West Indies’ first innings score. The West Indies need 385 runs to win with one and a half days left.

England sets a challenging target for West Indies

It’s a tough challenge for the West Indies batters. Despite their first Test win, England is still at the bottom of the WTC points table, while the West Indies are sixth. England’s win could move them above South Africa in the standings.

Jayden Seals took 4-97, while Alzarri Joseph claimed 2-103. Shamar Joseph, Jason Holder, and Kevin Sinclair each took a wicket.

Ollie Pope reached his sixth Test century on Day 1 of the second Test at Trent Bridge against the West Indies. Despite not being a fluent knock, it held immense significance for England, especially as Pope had to step in during the very first over following Zak Crawley’s dismissal for a duck.

Pope initially played second fiddle to Ben Duckett during their century partnership for the second wicket. While Duckett sped ahead to score the fastest fifty by an England opener in Test cricket, Pope patiently bided his time. The pair put together a 105-run stand off just 112 balls, with Pope contributing 31 runs off 53 deliveries. There was never any doubt about Pope’s form heading into the Nottingham Test, especially after his brisk 57 in the first Test’s only innings for England.

At Nottingham, Pope adopted a more cautious approach. Between deliveries 31 to 60, he registered a false shot percentage of 33.3%, focusing on absorbing the pressure while scoring just 10 runs, all the while watching Duckett dominate from the other end. This disciplined approach showcased Pope’s adaptability and resilience, crucial for England’s innings.

See Also: Player Analysis: The Enduring Legacy of James Anderson’s 21-Year Test Career

In-depth Analysis of Ollie Pope’s Ton on Day 1

Ollie Pope’s innings was marked by some luck as he was dropped twice around the lunch break. On the penultimate ball of the first session, Alick Athanaze missed a sharp chance to dismiss Pope for 46. Then, five overs into the second session, Jason Holder failed to grasp a straightforward catch at second slip, giving Pope another life at 54.

With West Indies’ bowlers being inconsistent throughout the day, Pope’s task became easier. After the second reprieve, he capitalized on the loose bowling, scoring 65 off 76 balls with a false shot percentage dropping to just 6.5%. This phase of his innings was characterized by a mix of controlled aggression and careful shot selection.

Pope had walked in with England struggling at 0/1 within the first three balls of the innings. By the time he was dismissed in the final session, he had steered England to a strong position at 281/5, laying a solid foundation for the team. Alzarri Joseph eventually claimed Pope’s wicket with a good length delivery, targeting an area where Pope had shown vulnerability throughout his knock.

The Surrey batter, Ollie Pope, had a lazy waft at a delivery similar to the ones that had produced the earlier chances. This time, he edged it to the wicketkeeper, Joshua Da Silva, who made no mistake. Pope’s tendency to score big in the first innings was evident once again, as five of his six Test centuries have come in the first innings, each against different opponents.

The only exception to this pattern was his remarkable 196, which came in the second innings during England’s win in Hyderabad earlier this year. This innings added to his reputation as a crucial first-innings performer for England, showcasing his ability to lay a strong foundation when it matters the most.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Player Analysis: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 93 secures T20I series win for India

England will look to build on their strong start to the test series when they face West Indies in the second test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. After taking an emphatic 1-0 lead in the series, England will look to dominate the opposition once more. The West Indies appeared to offer very little in terms of quality against this impressive England team, which was able to give James Anderson a fitting sendoff among other positives. There were plenty of outstanding individual performances for England to build on, while the West Indies barely threatened throughout the two innings. The match would bring Zak Crawley, Jamie Smith, and Gus Atkinson back into the spotlight. The first test saw all three players perform exceptionally well. West Indies will be keen to avoid losing this match, which would result in them losing the entire series.

ENG vs WI Match Details

England vs West Indies – 2nd Test Match

Venue: Trent Bridge, Northern Ireland

Date & Time: 18th July 2024 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

ENG vs WI Venue Stats

ENG vs WI Pitch Report

The pitch has even pace and bounce and good carry for the bowlers. A score of around 400 can be posted by the team batting first if they bat well.

ENG vs WI Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

ENG vs WI Last Five Matches

ENG vs WI Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Trent Boult confirms retirement from T20 World Cup following New Zealand’s group stage exit

ENG vs WI Probable Playing XIs:

West Indies Probable Playing XIs

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

England Probable Playing XIs

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson

Topmost Picks for ENG vs WI Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – England

• Joe Root – The English superstar resorted to the traditional style of Test batting and scored 320 runs in last Test series against India. Root has the form with him and will again be a good choice for the game.
• Ben Stokes – The experienced all-rounder has impressed with his captaincy and took three wickets in England’s victory.

Top Picks – West Indies

• Kraigg Brathwaite – West Indies will bank on Kraigg Brathwaite for a majority of their runs.
• Alzarri Joseph – A right-arm fast bowler, Alzarri Joseph is an extremely talented bowler and a crucial member of his team. The pitch behaviour in the first match will give him an extra advantage, Joseph will be a game-changing pick for the match.

ENG vs WI Probable Winners:

The West Indies failed to put up much of an effort in the first test match. The heavy defeat is likely to aid the team’s recovery, and the second test will be much more competitive. England’s batsmen will be eager to put on a better performance, and their strength will most likely help England win. Considering the team combination, England is expected to win this match.

West Indies head coach Andre Coley has called on his players to up their intensity for this week’s Trent Bridge Test after a lackluster performance at Lord’s resulted in an innings defeat within three days. Despite the heavy loss, Coley emphasized that there were positives to take into the next Test and urged for improved efforts in both batting and fielding.

Reflecting on Lord’s performance

Coley reflected on the team’s earlier comeback this year when they bounced back after a 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide to secure a memorable victory in Brisbane. This Test is remembered for Shamar Joseph’s remarkable bowling performance. However, Joseph is currently racing against time to achieve match fitness due to stiffness in his left hamstring. Despite the setback, Coley mentioned that the team remains in good spirits after the disheartening three days of cricket.

“I would love to see us with a lot more intensity that we’re known to show in the field,” Coley said on Monday (July 15). “I thought in this Test match, we weren’t at our best in terms of imposing ourselves on the England batters. That is definitely something that we need to be better at for the next Test.

“We know the conditions will be testing: that’s why it’s called a Test match. We’re not playing at home. Our conditions are going to be slightly different, but we do have it within our ranks to be at our best and to compete with England. There were periods in the [first] game where [England] actually had to show really good application and grit… Jayden Seales, Jason Holder… you had Alzarri Joseph, his pace was back up; Gudakesh Motie played a fantastic role in terms of helping the captain, Kraigg [Brathwaite] to be able to control and [took the] key wicket of the captain [Ben] Stokes. So yes, quite a few positives…”

Learning from the Lord’s defeat

Coley expressed confidence that his team had learned valuable lessons from their experience at Lord’s and would be better prepared for the conditions in Nottingham. “Having been here now about two weeks, having a bit of time to acclimatise to conditions and actually getting time in the middle… yes, the result was not what we would’ve wanted and planned for, but I do believe that there’s a lot to be had in terms of learning and takeaways,” Coley said.

The head coach highlighted the importance of adapting quickly and taking the positives from their time on the field. With improved preparation and a better understanding of the conditions, Coley believes that the West Indies can deliver a stronger performance at Trent Bridge. The focus now shifts to harnessing the lessons learned and channeling the intensity needed to compete at a higher level.

“We admit that the side we have, it is young and emerging… but we are still very positive about how we are approaching the second Test. Everybody’s in good spirits. We’ve been catching up with the players one-on-one and this will really be the first time that we’ll be settled as a squad.

“There’s been quite a bit of activity on and off the field leading up to the first Test and it’s been a lot, I can imagine, for some of our players to have been able to absorb. So it’s a massive learning for everyone, players and staff, and we are still very positive as we head to Nottingham,” he concluded.

See Also: ‘I would say that not even Tendulkar and myself would come close to that talent’ Brian Lara names most talented player – Cricket Winner

As the West Indies gear up for the upcoming Test, Coley’s call to action serves as a reminder of the team’s potential to overcome challenges and achieve success, just as they did earlier in the year.

Jamie Smith became the second youngest English wicketkeeper to score a half-century on debut, a testament to his bravery and confidence—qualities essential for being part of this England side. This high-pressure environment isn’t suited for everyone, as evidenced by Ben Foakes, who was dropped for the three-match Test series against the West Indies. For Surrey’s Jamie Smith, however, the challenge was right in his wheelhouse.

Despite not being Surrey’s first-choice wicketkeeper due to the consistent presence of Foakes, Smith seized every opportunity to step up. He was always ready to don the gloves and venture into roles that intimidated other wicketkeepers across the country. His willingness to embrace these challenges demonstrated his readiness and resilience, qualities that have helped him stand out and make a mark in the competitive world of English cricket.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Player Analysis: What moves are propelling Washington Sundar to the top?

Analyzing Jamie Smith’s First-Class figures leading up to his debut

The Three Lions have been tracking Surrey wicketkeeper Jamie Smith since 2019, when he first represented the Brown Caps in a match that featured international stars like Stuart Broad, Dom Bess, and Sam Cook. At just 18 years old, Smith faced this formidable bowling lineup with remarkable composure, especially on his debut. He came out attacking, forming a crucial partnership with Ollie Pope and scoring an impressive 127 off 192 balls, which included 16 fours and two sixes.

Since then, Smith has consistently caught the attention of English cricket followers. His name has been frequently mentioned in cricket circles, with BBC’s Daniel Norcross even calling him a ‘generational talent.’ Although his first two years in first-class cricket were not without their challenges, Smith made a significant impact with a 656-run season in 2021, showcasing his potential and resilience.

Smith’s true breakthrough came with the advent of the Bazball era in England, which revolutionized the team’s approach. Embracing this new methodology, Smith’s performance soared. In the first first-class season following the Bazball transition, he amassed 938 runs, with his strike rate leaping from 49.5 to 72.8. This exceptional run of form firmly established him as a player to watch and put him on the path to national recognition.

England wicketkeepers have often struggled when batting alongside the lower order, frequently finding themselves in precarious positions. When Gudakesh Motie dismissed Joe Root, it seemed like history might repeat itself. However, Jamie Smith defied this trend by forming multiple crucial partnerships. First, he joined forces with Chris Woakes, and later found himself batting with Shoaib Bashir. When Woakes came to the crease, Smith was on a cautious 15 off 38 deliveries, but this partnership marked the beginning of a more assertive approach.

During his time with Woakes, Smith methodically increased the scoring rate. Together, they added 27 runs in 51 deliveries, with Smith displaying a mix of resilience and aggression. By the time Woakes was dismissed, Smith had progressed to 42 off 89 balls. His ability to adapt his game and steadily build the innings was evident, and he maintained his focus on the task at hand.

Smith’s partnership with Shoaib Bashir further showcased his understanding of the game situation. They added 25 crucial runs, with Smith contributing 21 of those. While his final score might not have been a headline-grabbing 70, the significance lay in his ability to form vital partnerships with the bowlers, all while adhering to the principles of Bazball cricket. Smith’s innings demonstrated his skill in balancing aggression with responsibility, a trait that would surely impress the selectors.

See Also: MLC 2024: Season Analysis: Who tops the Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric Leaderboard?

Gus Atkinson is having a dream debut in his first Test against the West Indies. The London-born fast bowler gave it his all and took five wickets in his first game.

England won the toss and chose to bowl first on a cloudy morning. The West Indian openers started cautiously in what was Jimmy Anderson’s final Test. Ben Stokes and his team needed something special to break their partnership, and it was Atkinson who delivered. He took two quick wickets, putting the West Indies on the back foot.

Atkinson maiden 5-wicket haul

The West Indies batsmen Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge fought back, adding 44 runs for the fourth wicket. But Atkinson struck again, taking three wickets in one over. He got Athanaze out, then dismissed Jason Holder for zero, and two balls later, bowled Joshua Da Silva for a duck.

In just four deliveries, he tore through the West Indies middle order. In the next over, Chris Woakes kept the pressure on, taking Hodge’s wicket and adding to the West Indies troubles.

Currently, the West Indies are struggling at 120 for 9, with only a session and a half played.