Wisden Trophy Test Series 
West Indies Vs England, Second Test Played at Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford, Manchester (16-20 July 2020) 
Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day One: 
England First Innings: 207/3 in 82 overs (DP Sibley 86*, BA Stokes 59*, JE Root 23, RL Chase 2/53)  

Not too late, still very early, yet at stumps of day one of the very important second test of the three tests Wisden trophy host England crawled to 207/3 in 82 overs. West Indies won the toss and under sky with cloud cover after a spell of rain opted to field anticipating much greater assistance for the bowlers.  We are not sure that the gamble would work. Old Trafford wicket traditionally assists spinners as the match wears on. Unless West Indies can restrict England below 350 they may have to struggle in the fourth innings to save the match. English batsmen applied themselves admirably after early reverse, grinded and grafted admirably after being reduced to 81/3. Opener Sibley pairing with redoubtable Stokes produced unbeaten 126 runs fourth wicket partnership. The rain delayed the start of the match and reduced the day’s play to 82 overs. 

After the shocking defeat at Southampton, England rested Anderson and Wood, two potent forces of English bowling arsenal. Archer breached CORONA protocol and was sent to quarantine. England brought in a new bowling combination of Broad, Woakes and Curran. In such circumstances possibly Holder could have done better relying on his batsmen taking the strikes first for avoiding chasing a target on the wearing wicket on day four and five. Perhaps successful chase at Southampton has given him assurance. At stumps the English score at 207/3 is still not huge. On the second morning if West Indies bowlers can strike early they can still wretch the initiative back and playing sensibly overturn the advantage. 

England has to win or at least resist West Indies win save the series. West Indies win will earn them the series, their first in England since 1988. English captain Joe Root returned after opting to stay out from first test for welcoming his new baby. Lady luck did not favor him with the coin. But who knows at the end of the test he may reflect upon it as a good toss to loose. The sky was overcast and wicket was presumed to contain moisture. Holder having faith on his pace attack opted to field. But it was crafty off spinner Chase who delivered early blows removing Burns and Crawly off successive deliveries. England were shocked and awed at 29/2. Captain Root joined his opener Sibley for resurrecting the innings. West Indies bowlers swarmed in for all directions. 

However, this pair weathered the early storm and put together 52 runs partnership before Josef forced Root into his trap having him caught by Holder for 23. England were 3/81. Another breakthrough at this stage could set butterfly in the stomach of English batsmen. But a very sedate Sibley, calm and composed Stokes braved the innings sewing up an unbroken 126 runs slow but steady partnership. At stumps England reached 207/3, which in matters of run scored not too big but appears comfortable. If England can carry on and get close to 400 that can put tourist under enormous pressure. Still off course there is lot of cricket to be played. First two sessions of day two will be very important for both the team. England with Stuart Broad having a test century under his belt batting at 11 bats deep. Curran and Woakes are recognized bowling all-rounder.

BDST: 1315 HRS, JULY 17, 2020
AP