Known as the ‘heaviest man’ in the cricketing world, Rahkeem Cornwall never fails to grab the attention of fans irrespective of wherever he plays the captivating game. Right from his inclusion in the playing XI for the third Test against England at Old Trafford, Cornwall is trending on social media.
Fans love Cornwall simply for his incredible physique and the quality of producing impressive results for the West Indies team. Time and again, the spin-bowling all-rounder has showcased his skills with both the bat and the ball, and on Day 1 of the third Test in Manchester, Cornwall displayed his superior catching abilities.
After Kemar Roach gave Windies an early breakthrough by dismissing English opener Dominic Sibley, England skipper Joe Root got run-out by a direct-hit from Roston Chase. Then, Roach produced another wicket in the form of Ben Stokes.
Later, Chase claimed the fourth and final wicket of the first day’s action when he sent Rory Burns back into the pavilion with a catch in the slip cordon. Cornwall, who was positioned in the slip-cordon grabbed a blinder and impressed everyone.
Chase bowled a short of a good length ball outside off stump, Burns went for the cut shot, but the top-edge flew to slip, and Cornwall grabbed it with his right hand.
Here is the video:
The legend of Rahkeem Cornwall is growing by the minute – quite a catch by the big fella – #rahkeemcornwall #windiescricket #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/q6DBUROlHM
— Mark McKeown (@markmckeown) July 24, 2020
WICKET! 💥
Great grab from Cornwall at slip after Burns (57) cuts Chase towards him – England 122-4 🏴🏝️#RedForRuth#raisethebat #️⃣
📺 Watch live 👉 https://t.co/61YVS1UCjl
📰 Blog 👉 https://t.co/n23iPtF0m1 pic.twitter.com/ecRmXEls19— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 24, 2020
After Burns’ dismissal, England were struggling at 122/4. But Ollie Pope and Jos Buttler put cold water on the tourists’ hopes with a spectacular unbeaten partnership of 136 runs for the 5th wicket. It took England’s score to 258 runs at stumps on Day 1.
Meanwhile, England were bundled out for 369 on the second day. Buttler and Pope could only add four more runs together as the latter was dismissed on his overnight score of 91 by Shannon Gabriel. However, the pair did end up scoring the second-highest partnership for England against West Indies at home.
Highest 5th wicket partnership for ENG v WI at home:
- 144 – Ian Bell & Paul Collingwood, Lord’s 2007
- 140 – Ollie Pope & Jos Buttler, Old Trafford 2020*
- 132 – Alastair Cook & Ian Bell, Lord’s 2012
- 130 – Tom Graveney & Colin Milburn, Lord’s 1966
Windies bowler produced few more wickets in quick successions, and the hosts were 280/8 at one stage. But, again England brought back the momentum, thanks to Stuart Broad who stood for his side and smashed a crucial fifty. Broad (62) along with spinner Dom Bess added 76-runs for the ninth wicket before Chase ended his show.
Fewest balls to 50 for England (Tests):
- 28 – Ian Botham v Ind Delhi 1981/82
- 32 – Ian Botham v NZ The Oval 1986
- 33 – Allan Lamb v NZ Auckland 1991/92
- 33 – Andrew Flintoff v NZ Wellington 2001/02
- 33 – Stuart Broad v WI Manchester 2020
