After facing the loss in the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies in Southampton, England have bounced back strongly in the second Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. The hosts have levelled the series 1-1, as they completely dominated in the second contest and defeated West Indies by 113 runs.
Firstly, England set up a mammoth 469d on the scoreboard in first innings, thanks to opener Dom Sibley (120) and all-rounder Ben Stokes (176) who smashed individual centuries. In response, the Caribbean’s never really looked strong as they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Although, Sharmarh Brooks (68) and Roston Chase (51) played gutsy innings, but in the end, the Jason Holder-led side was bundled out for 287.
The English side on Day 5 scored 129/3 before skipper Joe Root declared their second innings and set a target of 312 for West Indies to win. Stokes, who shined in the first innings, again rose to the occasion and played the unbeaten 78-run knock in the second innings.
In response, the Windies were bundled out for 198 runs. Jermaine Blackwood (55) and Brooks (62) did make some valuable contributions in the second innings, but it wasn’t enough to take their side over the line.
Not only in batting, even in the bowling department the West Indies team looked clueless as their bowling unit was unable to put pressure on England’s batsmen.
The shoulders of Windies players looked down. The frustration and desperation to get Stokes led West Indies skipper Holder to take some horrible reviews in the first session on Day 5.
It all started in the 15th over when the Windies thought that they had trapped Stokes in front. Holder, who was also the bowler, took the review only to show that the delivery was pitching way outside leg.
A similar incident was repeated in the next over bowled by pacer Alzarri Joseph. Holder yet again went for the review, and the ball was pitching outside leg. Even the on-air commentators couldn’t resist themselves from bursting out in laughter.
In the 17th over bowled by Holder, batsman Ollie Pope was trapped in front as he tried to flick the ball but ended up missing it completely. The West Indies skipper again took the review, however, the ultra edge caught a spike, and the review was lost.
The tourists lost three reviews in three overs, and this invited criticism from many fans on social media. Some fans even assessed that West Indies were only aiming to waste some time by taking unnecessary reviews.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
West Indies have give tactual review a new dimension: using DRS as a delaying tactics
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) July 20, 2020
West Indies trying to waste time with DRS reviews is peak cricket
— Michael (@lobwinners) July 20, 2020
That review from Holder was all about using up two minutes in case bad light becomes a factor later. Probably.
— Husky Trades (@Huskky_Trades) July 20, 2020
Some of Jason Holder's reviews a very good advert for idea of unlimited reviews per team per Test, with say a 5 run penalty for every incorrect review
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) July 20, 2020
Haha I think that’s the worst review I’ve ever seen in cricket from Jason Holder there 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/NKrFJp4iFr
— Jon Bell (@jonbell84) July 20, 2020
The ball was clearing pitching way outside and it hit Ben Stokes on thighs, still Jason Holder took the review. Umpire and commentators were laughing too after this strange review.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 20, 2020
Jason Holder and the art of the time-wasting review….
— Derek Pringle (@derekpringle) July 20, 2020
Holder taking a review to eat up the 2 minutes but did he wait for the entire 15 seconds before going up for the review?#ENGvWI
— Suneer (@suneerchowdhary) July 20, 2020
Jason Holder holding England back with some excellent reviews.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 20, 2020
Another review 😭😂
Wel Done Captain Holder 👏
— ' (@Subhrajeet__) July 20, 2020
Jason Holder making Tim Paine proud with two splendid reviews! 🤦♂️🏏 #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/DgEZIu3iO9
— James (@Surreycricfan) July 20, 2020
