ENG VS WI TESTS

What a memorable series it's been! England bid farewell to the legendary James Anderson with a victory in the first game and then went on to secure a clean sweep against the Windies. Ben Stokes, the English skipper, has just received the Richards-Botham Trophy, and the team is celebrating together with some photos. Some of the England players will now head off to join their teams in The Hundred 2024, while others will enjoy a well-earned rest. Meanwhile, the West Indies will be gearing up for a two-match Test series against South Africa, starting on Wednesday, August 7th. Be sure to join us early for all the pre-match build-up. Until then, take care and goodbye!

Ben Stokes, the victorious skipper of England praises Mark Wood's spell, calling it amazing and acknowledging Wood's incredible effort whenever he dons the England shirt. Stokes highlights Wood's skill and speed, noting how he creates pressure even when not taking wickets. He enjoys pairing Wood with Bash due to their contrasting speeds and is delighted with Wood's performance. Stokes commends newcomers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith for their impressive debuts. He praises Atkinson's 12-wicket haul and Smith's exceptional batting and wicketkeeping. Stokes notes the team's improved ability to assess conditions and make smart choices, contrasting their current approach to how they would have responded 18 or 20 months ago. He concludes by emphasizing the team's focus on winning and their pride in representing England, always aiming for victory with the three lions on their chest.

Kraigg Brathwaite, the captain of West Indies says that 280 was not good enough on a wicket that suited batting, but they did well with the ball. Adds the communication between the guys was a bit down and they were not able to put pressure on the batters for longer periods. Tells that they were just not consistent enough with hitting the top of off like they were in Australia. Says that the thing that he liked the most in this series was that never gave up, and always tried to fight their way out of difficult situations. Mentions that Jayden Seales was good in patches and Motie did well too, but a longer break between the games would have helped a bit. Further adds that they are now looking forward to the two Tests against South Africa and it is important that they show growth and learn from their mistakes.

Jayden Seales is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES FOR WEST INDIES for his good bowling performances picking up a total of 13 wickets. He expresses pride in representing his team. He emphasizes the importance of his comeback in the series and the deliberate decision to play at Sussex to adapt to English conditions. Seales acknowledges the challenge of facing opponents who play freely and seize opportunities. He believes that with continuous learning and growth, the West Indies will become a formidable force. Despite the physical demands, he feels his body is holding up well and looks forward to recovering in time for the tour to South Africa.

Gus Atkinson is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES FOR ENGLAND for his amazing bowling efforts and picking up a total of 22 wickets. He feels honored to have taken 22 wickets. Without high expectations initially, he finds this achievement particularly special. Reflecting on the series, he describes it as an incredible and unforgettable experience. Atkinson credits his success to running in hard, hitting the wicket, swinging the ball in different situations, and utilizing the crease. He looks forward to playing against Sri Lanka next. He expresses joy in bowling alongside Mark Wood, appreciating his advice and finding Wood's performance particularly inspiring. Atkinson cherishes the series and eagerly anticipates the future.

Mark Wood is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his seven wickets including a stunning fifer in the second innings. He expresses relief and gratitude. He mentions feeling down initially but credits Jimmy for a motivational talk during the break, which helped him refocus on his strengths. Wood highlights the confidence boost from his first wicket, stating he adapted to conditions by concentrating on bowling fast as per Stokes' directive. Despite fluctuating speeds due to injuries, he commits to maintaining pace throughout the summer. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, especially while bowling with a reversing ball, and appreciates his team's unwavering support. Wood acknowledges the challenge of back-to-back Tests and thanks the physio for keeping him fit.

Presentation Time...

Chasing a paltry total of 82, England had a new opening pair, as Zak Crawley had gone for scans on his right index finger. Skipper Ben Stokes opened alongside Ben Duckett. Stokes made his intentions clear, starting aggressively and hitting boundaries for fun. The visitors failed to contain the English skipper, who raced to fifty in just 24 balls, bringing up the fastest fifty for England in Tests. Duckett also found boundaries as both made short work of the chase. Stokes and Duckett remained unbeaten on 57 and 25, respectively, as England chased down the total in just 7.2 overs with 10 wickets in hand.

West Indies lost Brathwaite (0) and Kirk McKenzie (8) cheaply in the evening session of day two. Alick Athanaze (12) looked good but departed the next morning. Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge built a solid 72-run stand before the former fell on 57 after notching up his maiden Test fifty. Hodge played some wonderful strokes and brought up his fifty, but lacked support from the other end. It was a short stay for Jason Holder (12) at the crease. The ball started reversing, and Mark Wood dismissed Joshua Da Silva (5) and Alzarri Joseph (2) in quick succession. Hodge (55), Jayden Seales (0), and Shamar Joseph (4) were sent packing in a single over by Wood, who picked up a fifer as West Indies were bundled out for 175 in 52 overs.

In reply, England lost three wickets in quick succession and were tottering at 54/5 on the second morning before Joe Root (87) and skipper Ben Stokes (54) led the recovery. Both played beautifully, keeping the Windies at bay. Another solid 106-run stand between Jamie Smith (95) and Woakes (62) helped England gain a lead of 94. For the Windies, Alzarri Joseph picked up a four-fer but was expensive, while Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph chipped in with three and two scalps, respectively.

England have completely outplayed the West Indies in the third and final Test, securing a clean sweep and starting their men's international summer outstandingly. All smiles in the English camp as their skipper led from the front in the chase of 82, completing it in just 7.2 overs. England beat the West Indies by 10 wickets, whitewashing the Caribbean side. Let's recap this Test match. West Indies won the toss and opted to bat first. Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (61) played a solid knock at the top, stitching a good partnership with fellow opener Mikyle Louis (26). England stormed back into the contest with quick wickets, but Jason Holder (59) and Joshua Da Silva (49) stitched a brilliant 109-run stand for the sixth wicket. England broke the stand and quickly wrapped up the Windies’ tail, knocking them over for 282. Gus Atkinson picked up four wickets for England, while Chris Woakes grabbed three.

A statement series whitewash for England! We can say that 'Bazball' is well and truly revolutionizing Test cricket here. The English skipper led the chase from the front and broke the record of the fastest fifty for an English player in this format. However, the credit must go to that scintillating spell from Mark Wood that set up this victory for the hosts. West Indies can take a few positives from this series and this will be a great learning curve for the not-so-experienced Windies side.

SIX! Ben Stokes finishes things off in style! Kraigg Brathwaite tries to bowl another bouncer, angling into leg, Ben Stokes skips down the track and smashes it away over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. ENGLAND WIN BY 10 WICKETS AND WIN THE SERIES 3-0!

Oh..wow! Kraigg Brathwaite comes around the wicket bangs in a bouncer down the leg side, Ben Stokes leaves it alone.

Kraigg Brathwaite joins the attack now.

SCORED LEVEL! Short of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes pulls it away to deep square leg for a single.

Pitched up and around off, Ben Stokes drills it straight to short covers.

SIX! FIFTY FOR STOKES! He gets to it with a bang! He may have missed out on the fastest half-century in Test, but this is the fastest by an Englishman in this format. Back of a length and on middle, Ben Stokes cleats his front leg away and whacks it all the way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.