MANCHESTER – Vital missed chances cost West Indies dearly, as England resisted stoutly through unbeaten half-centuries from Dom Sibley and Ben Stokes to take honours on day one of the pivotal second Test yesterday.
Choosing to bat first at Old Trafford after rain delayed the start by 90 minutes, England battled to 207 for three on an attritional day under mostly overcast skies, denying the Caribbean side any major reward for their persistence.
Sibley, a dogged right-hander with little attacking intent, stroked an unbeaten 86, while Stokes, in contrast, hit an enterprising 59 not out, powering an England side needing to win the contest to level the three-match series following defeat in the Ageas Bowl Test last weekend.
The pair put on 126 in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand to bolster an innings on rocky ground at 81 for three when they lost the prized wicket of captain Joe Root for 23 in the first over following the first drinks break after lunch. (CMC)
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