Joe Root, Jamie Smith shine as England tighten grip on West Indies on Day 2 of Edgbaston Test

In England showed an outstanding performance on Day 2, winning the third test against The West Indies at Edgbaston. After resuming their innings at 38/3, England built up a massive 376 runs, powered by key contributions from Jamie Smith again Joe Root. Smith played an impressive knock of 95 runs, displaying smooth stroke play and solid technique. With his trademark tenacity, Root scored 87, guiding England to a strong position. Alzarri Joseph shone with the ball in the West Indies, taking 4 wickets for 122 runs on a challenging day for the visitors.

The West Indies are experiencing early setbacks

In their reply, West Indies came under immediate pressure, ending the second day at a precarious 33/2. Early loss of captaincy Craig Brathwaite for a duck in the first over, thanks to the delivery from Chris Woakesit was an important contribution. Kirk McKenzie soon followed, bowled out for 8, furthering West Indies’ woes. Despite a turbulent start, Alick Athanaze again Michael Louis they showed calmness under pressure, being able to see their team hit the nail on the head with their strong relationship.

England’s struggles and recovery this morning

Earlier, England’s innings started in a frenzy as Shamar Joseph dismissed Ollie Pope in the third, too Harry Brook became a victim of Jayden Seales, leaving the team reeling at 54/5. However, the tenacity of the captain Ben Stokes again Joe Root it was a great help. The two put on a crucial partnership of 103 runs, stabilizing the innings and taking England to lunch at 157/5. Root, with his aggressive intent, reached his fifty in 68 balls, while Stokes recorded his fifty in 63 balls. Their partnership reached 115 runs before Stokes was dismissed for 54 by Joseph, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope.

ALSO WATCH: Edgbaston turns blue as England and West Indies pay tribute to late Bob Willis on day 2 of 3rd Test

Joe Root breaks records

Root continued to write his name in the record books, passing by Brian Lara becoming the second England batsman to reach 12,000 runs in Test cricket. His 87 innings was a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. Root was on the verge of a 33rd Test century but was dismissed by Gudakesh Motie, leaving England at 231/7. His performance further cemented his status as one of the greatest strikers in England.

Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes form a vital partnership

As the West Indies look to exploit England’s weak position, the crucial spot of 106 runs between Smith and Smith. Chris Woakes it emerged as a game changer. Smith, with a well-designed 95 off 109 balls, and Woakes, who contributed a solid 62 off 78, provided the backbone of England’s innings. Their partnership ensured a 94-run lead for England. Gus Atkinson he also made a key contribution by hitting 21 fast balls off 16 balls, making England’s total 376 and giving the West Indies a second innings lead.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Joe Root has more Test runs than Brian Lara.

– England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 27, 2024

Jamie Smith’s Second Test fifty! 🙌

You have been introduced to test cricket with skill! 💥

🤎 | #SurreyCricket pic.twitter.com/qXnmwKdBNl

– Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 27, 2024

This Edgbaston stadium is a disgrace. Root & Smith both bowled tons of balls down the ground on day 2. England are on top, but if we have to chase anything over 200, that will be difficult. #ENGvWI

— Nathan pufc (@PufcNathan) July 27, 2024

Amazing transformation @englandcricket today, I can’t believe how the boys got it back to just 400 runs. #ENGvWI

– Callum West (@Callum1093) July 27, 2024

Stakes on day two at Edgbaston

West Indies are 33-2 in their second innings trailing England by 61.

Good day for England. #TestCricket

– Michael Stephen Day 🎸 (@integraps) July 27, 2024

WI survived and went on a 33-2 run

Hard to believe it’s only Day 2! It may be another 3 day trial #ENGvWI

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) July 27, 2024

England are leading in Birmingham

– Albert Glaze (@GlazeAlber) July 27, 2024

Test cricket game. England take the lead to close the match. I told you they would take the city down pretty well and they really did. West Indies need to fight now

– Russ Smith (@Emperorruss) July 27, 2024

Stop knocking Jamie Smith 🏏👊

– Fall five runs slow in his first Test century 👏 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Ljb4sk1IlV

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 27, 2024

7️⃣ wickets between the pair of Joseph and Seles!💥🫱🏾‍🫲🏽#ENGvWI | #MaroonMen | #Apex pic.twitter.com/hxCAvJZ2qr

– Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 27, 2024

#cricket #TestCricket #ENGvWI Stumps on day two, West Indies 33-2, still 61 adrift. A wonderful batting change by Root, Stokes, Smith and Woakes and a good mini-session with the ball (could have been more than two wickets) and England are in control.

– Thomas Sutcliffe (@aspitweets) July 27, 2024

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