Record-breaking Stokes leads England to series sweep against Windies
England's Ben Stokes celebrates with Chris Woakes after taking the wicket of West Indies' Mikyle Louis caught out by Zak Crawley at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, UK during third Test play between England v West Indies on July 28, 2024. Photo Reuters
England captain Ben Stokes led his team to a commanding 10-wicket victory over the West Indies, securing a series sweep on the third day of the final Test at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Stokes scored the fastest test half-century by an English batsman, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 28 balls.
England achieved their victory target of 82 runs in just 7.2 overs. This followed a stellar bowling performance by Mark Wood, who claimed five wickets for seven runs in four overs, reducing the West Indies to 175 in their second innings.
Zak Crawley’s hand injury allowed Stokes to promote himself up the order, and he took full advantage, hitting the bowling to all parts of the ground. Ben Duckett supported with 25 runs off 16 balls.
England matched their own record for the fastest team fifty in Test cricket, reaching the mark in 4.2 overs. Stokes’ 50 off 24 balls surpassed Ian Botham’s 28-ball half-century record set in 1981.
"Pretty cool to go past Beefy (Botham) with that one. A bottle of champagne from him would be better appreciated than a well done message," Stokes remarked. "I don't think we must under-estimate this series. We were 50-5 at one stage but fought back to win it inside three days," he added.
Earlier in the day, Wood’s brilliant spell after lunch dismantled the tourists' tail. His five-wicket haul included three wickets in a single over. "I’m proud of the fact I keep my speeds up. Over the years it’s been up and down but I manage to maintain it in these games," said Wood. "I’ve already watched the highlights of my spell twice and I’ll be watching them a few more times."
Despite half-centuries from Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge, the West Indies struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Louis, who resumed with Alick Athanaze at 33-2, reached his 50 with a six before being caught at slip by Crawley off Stokes. Hodge quickly reached his half-century but became Wood’s second victim, caught behind after edging.
Wood’s wickets of Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph, caught at second slip by Harry Brook, wrapped up the West Indies innings.
England now prepare for a three-Test home series against Sri Lanka starting on August 21, while the West Indies will face South Africa in a two-Test series next week.