Twitter Reactions: Mark Wood, Ben Stokes annihilate West Indies on Day 3 of second Test, whitewash hapless visitors

Day 3 of the second Test was utterly dominated by England, as they concluded an extraordinary series showcasing both emerging talent and the resurgence of seasoned veterans.

By Rathnam Nayak

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3 Min Read

ENG vs WI
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ENG vs WI. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

The conclusion of Day 2 of the third Test didn't suggest the West Indies were on the verge of defeat, especially given their tenacity in the first innings of this Test and the preceding one. However, Day 3, which ultimately proved to be the final day, painted a different picture. The clinical efficiency of England overwhelmed the inexperience and lack of direction of the West Indian outfit, which outright crumbled under some serious ferocity on both fronts.

Resuming Day 3 at 33/2 and trailing by 61 runs, the West Indies began the day on a relatively positive note, accumulating 20 runs in the first six overs. Shoaib Bashir commenced the day's play, serving up a floated delivery that was misjudged by Alick Athanaze. Kavem Hodge's first couple of boundaries were fortuitous, both coming behind the wicket, where on another day, the fielders in the slip cordon might have caught those half chances. 

The downfall commenced with the dismissal of Mikyle Louis, who, playing in just his third Test, was sent packing shortly after notching his maiden half-century. A precise delivery from Ben Stokes, expertly aimed in the corridor of uncertainty, was edged and snaffled by Zak Crawley at second slip. Two of the standout performers from the first innings, Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva, were unable to make substantial contributions this time, both succumbing to leg before wicket. The final three wickets fell swiftly, including that of Kavem Hodge, whose resilient 55 (76) was cut short. Mark Wood delivered a stellar performance, claiming a magnificent five-wicket haul.

The target for England to chase was minimal, a mere 82 runs. Not only did their approach surprise everyone, but so did the choice of batter. In an unexpected turn of events, instead of Zak Crawley opening with Ben Duckett, it was Ben Stokes who strode to the middle, greeted by a thunderous roar from the crowd. On the previous two occasions against the same opposition, Stokes had notched up two unbeaten fifties, and he continued the tradition, sparing no bowler.

Although Ben Duckett contributed with a composed 25 off 16, his innings seemed rather subdued as Stokes took full control, smashing an unbeaten 57 off 28, which was the fastest fifty by an English batter in the history of red-ball cricket. This commanding ten-wicket victory, achieved with more than seven sessions to spare, showcased England's dominance in the final Test of the series.

Here's how X reacted to Day 3's play: 

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England vs West Indies 2024West IndiesEnglandMark WoodBen StokesENG vs WI