Crawley and Root guide England to a 153-run lead and safety in the first Test against WI.
On Friday, an undefeated 193-run combination between Zac Crawley and Joe Root turned the tables on West Indies and gave England a 153-run advantage in the first test, which was heading for a draw. At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Crawley, the opener, and skipper Root, at first drop, methodically guided England to 217-1 in their second innings at stumps on Day 4 and relative safety.
The West Indies’ first innings ended on 375 in the first over of the day, giving them a 64-run lead.
Another sweep of England’s top order seemed on the cards when Alex Lees was remove leg before wicket for the second time in his test debut, for 6 to go with his first-innings 4 by fast bowler Kemar Roach. Before scoring, Crawley had been give out to Roach in the first over, but on review, he overturned the umpire’s judgment.
Crawley didn’t give England another chance for the remainder of the day, which was cut short in the 64th over owing to a third and severe rain stoppage. Crawley achieved his second test century, 117 not out off 200 balls, on a level pitch.
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He escaped the cull following the Ashes in Australia, where he was expose by seam and swing; but he has taken full advantage of a benign Antigua ground.
Root, on the other hand, was on 84 from 158 balls and giving no indication; that he would fail to reach his 24th test century on Saturday. They handled the new ball well in the morning, leading 72-1 at lunch. They slowed for a while in the middle session; but picked up again as they got closer to tea, which they reach at 146-1.
After tea, the pair remained at the crease, with Crawley easing up to tally up 16 boundaries and counting. However, a draw appeared more plausible on Saturday’s final day; especially with England expected to be without fast bowler Mark Wood, who is nursing an injured elbow.