ENG v WI, 2nd Test: CT Player of the match - Shai Hope

Shai Hope became the only player in a 121-year history to register twin tons at Headingley in first-class cricket, a perfect icing on the cake for him. West Indies registered a mind-boggling win against all the odds and leveled the series 1-1. Things are set beautifully for the final Test at the Lord’s and all this has happened thanks to a fabulous rendition from the visitors.

When their side lost quick wickets in the first innings, Shai Hope and Kraigg Brathwaite took the initiative to register a big score on board and capitalize on the brilliant start that their bowlers gave on Day 1. There was intense pressure on the lads to get going as James Anderson was breathing fire and he had already ripped apart the top order all by himself.

Yet, a very perseverant show from Hope and Brathwaite pulled things back into their favor and little did they know what was going to happen in the coming days. Some elegant stroke play which had a fair share of the Caribbean flavor in it ensured Hope registered a superb hundred. The duo added 246 runs together and it was that partnership which made the Windies “Hope”.

Magical turnaround on Day 5

England pulled things back after their middle order completed a remarkable fightback in the second innings. Windies players looked demoralized after the hosts had set a target of 322 runs and after all the effort, it seemed like another dismal defeat awaited the Caribbean lads. But two miracles on Day 4 and Day 5 ensured Test cricket finished as the biggest winner.

After condensing a 169 run deficit and posting a 322 run target, the English bowlers inexplicably looked deflated. It was Brathwaite and Hope yet again coming to the rescue, the duo continuing their love affair with Headingley. Once again the amount of courage they pulled out to resist these adverse conditions was simply terrific.

The best thing about Hope was that he always kept his nerves in tact. He batted almost the entire day and he was barely sweating. His first innings ton, which happened to be his first in Test cricket was marvelous and he managed to better his effort in a matter of days, exactly when his side needed him the most.

Towards the end of day 5 when things were tightening up a bit, Blackwood changed the course of the game with his aggressive approach. Whilst he kept slogging every now and then, Hope remained as cool as an ice and didn’t take any chances. A nonchalant celebration after the hundred spoke volumes of his character and definitely, he is eyeing for more such tons in the coming days.

After amassing 265 runs on aggregate in this Test match and adding two sensational marathon partnerships with Brathwaite, it wasn’t really a difficult choice to pick Shai Hope as the CT player of the match. If Windies fate has to change in the coming days, this guy will have to play more such knocks and ensure his country’s flag flies high.