England cruise to a nine-wicket win over West Indies
England thumped West Indies with a nine-wicket win in the second Test at Grenada on Saturday. Chasing 143 runs in their second innings, England comfortably reached the target for the loss of just one wicket.
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West Indies resumed their second innings at 202 for 2 with unbeaten centurion Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels at the crease.
However, the home side suffered a collapse as fast bowler James Anderson claimed four wickets for 43 runs. His scalps included Brathwaite, Samuels and veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
West Indies innings folded at 307 runs with the last wickets batsmen managing a meagre 83 runs.
England had a shaky start to its run chase, losing opener Jonathan Trott for a duck. However, Captain Alastair Cook (59 not out) and Gary Balance (81 not out) ensured there were no further hiccups.
The win ended England’s wait of two-and-a-half years and 10 matches for Test success away from home.
This first away win since December 2012 means that England have retained the Wisden Trophy.
Speaking about the match Cook said that the second new ball on the fifth day was really crucial.
“Once we got that one wicket we felt it would be testing for the West Indies the way our bowlers were coming in with real intensity," he said.
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