England were on the driving seat when they ended Day 4 on 37-2 with a lead of 219 runs. Ben Stokes, who opened in a Test match for the first time as England sought quick runs was unbeaten on 16 and Joe Root was on 8 not out.
The duo started the final day with the intention to add quick runs and give at least two sessions to the bowlers to win the second Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Stokes yet again shined for the hosts as he brought up a half-century in just 36 balls. The southpaw is currently the highest run-getter and highest wicket-taker of 2020.
In fact, Stokes smashed three sixes in his inspirational innings of 78 runs not out before skipper Root, who contributed in a 50-run partnership with Stokes, announced the declaration. England reached 129/3 when the Root signalled the much-awaited declaration setting West Indies the target of 312 runs to win the second Test.
England declare 🏴
West Indies will be chasing 3️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ in 8️⃣5️⃣ overs 👀 #ENGvWI SCORECARD ▶️ https://t.co/y31bzuEeOH pic.twitter.com/Llq2oeyj5Y
— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2020
Most sixes in Test cricket (among current players):
- 74 – Ben Stokes*
- 72 – Tim Southee
- 61 – Angelo Mathews
- 56 – David Warner
- 52 – Rohit Sharma
- 52 – Ross Taylor
7️⃣8️⃣* runs
5️⃣7️⃣ balls
3️⃣ sixesAnother 🔥 knock from Ben Stokes!#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/AMlWa8N3Uq
— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2020
For the visitors, Kemar Roach was the only bowler who got success in terms of taking wickets. The right-armer sent Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley back into the pavilion on Day 4. Root, who was the only wicket which fell on Day 5 for England, was run-out.
