England clinched the series with a resounding 241-run victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge by the end of Day 4, powered by a five-wicket haul from Shoaib Bashir. After setting a target of 385, courtesy of centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook, England’s bowlers dismantled the West Indies, bowling them out for a mere 143.
West Indies began their chase positively, putting England on the defensive, with Kraigg Brathwaite aggressively hitting boundaries in the first ten overs. Unlike his usual steady approach, Brathwaite swiftly scored 30 off 24 balls, contributing to an opening partnership of 54 runs within the first ten overs, marking their second fifty-run stand in the match.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically once England made a breakthrough immediately after the drinks break. Bashir needed just three deliveries to strike, and Chris Woakes followed by finding Brathwaite’s edge, reducing West Indies from 61/0 to 74/3.
The situation deteriorated further for the visitors as Bashir struck again, taking four wickets in four overs. Alick Athanaze, who had scored 82 in the first innings, edged one to the slips, giving Bashir his third wicket. With first innings centurion Kavem Hodge already dismissed, West Indies' hopes dwindled. Gus Atkinson then delivered a double-wicket over before Bashir completed his five-wicket haul, sealing West Indies’ fate.
Earlier in the day, Root and Brook resumed their assault on the West Indies' bowling attack. Brook completed his century, but West Indies managed to claim three crucial wickets, including Brook’s, in the second half of the session. Despite this, England’s lead had already surpassed 300, ensuring a secure position. Root, partnering with the lower order, reached his century post-lunch and extended the lead to 384, solidifying England’s dominance.
Brief Scores:
- England: 416 (Ollie Pope 121; Alzarri Joseph 3/98) & 425 (Joe Root 122; Jayden Seales 4/97)
- West Indies: 457 (Kavem Hodge 120; Chris Woakes 4/84) & 143 (Kraigg Brathwaite 47; Shoaib Bashir 5/41)
England won by 241 runs.