England’s ongoing Test series against West Indies at Trent Bridge has been nothing short of exhilarating, with the hosts ending day three with a significant lead. England closed on 248-3, a lead of 207 runs, thanks to a solid partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook, who remained unbeaten at 37 and 71 respectively. Their unbroken 108-run stand has put England in a commanding position as the Test progresses.

Morning Chaos Turns to Afternoon Brilliance

The day began in a chaotic fashion for England as Joshua Da Silva and Shamar Joseph added 71 for the last West Indies wicket, frustrating the hosts. Efficient with the second new ball, England had reduced the tourists to 386-9, still 30 runs behind, only for Ben Stokes’ side to employ baffling tactics that allowed West Indies to seize the initiative.

The England field spread for Da Silva, intending to expose Joseph, but instead released the pressure. Da Silva clobbered three sixes and Joseph added two of his own, one of which showered spectators with broken roof tiles. By the time Joseph was out for 33, Da Silva was left unbeaten on 82, leading West Indies to their highest total in England since 1995 with 457 runs.

Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope Lead the Response

England’s response was spearheaded by Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, who wiped out the deficit with scores of 76 and 51 respectively. However, the match swung back in favour of West Indies when both were dismissed within eight deliveries by Alzarri Joseph. Brook and Root then took the reins, playing with composure and determination to steer England to a healthy lead.

The tension was palpable as Root and Brook rebuilt the innings in challenging conditions late in the day, with umpires at one stage discussing the light. The pitch, a significant factor in this contest, remains good for batting, suggesting West Indies might not face too many difficulties in their eventual run chase.

England’s Strategy and the Turning Points

Despite being behind on the scoreboard and in terms of momentum after the West Indies innings, England managed to turn things around. Jayden Seales accounted for Zak Crawley early, who was run-out backing up after scoring a duck on Thursday. However, Duckett and Pope counter-punched effectively, with Pope playing perfect cover drives and Duckett punishing any width.

Crucially, the ball was changed after 25 overs, and Alzarri Joseph got the replacement to move in the air. This led to Pope edging to gully and Duckett being trapped by an in-swinging yorker in consecutive overs. With England’s lead at 99, Brook joined Root, and the duo played assertively, particularly Brook, who hit Jason Holder for a four early on. They tailored their tempo to the situation, with Root playing a measured game.

West Indies’ Spirited Fightback

West Indies’ performance deserves immense credit for their fighting spirit, particularly after being heavily defeated in the first Test. They scrapped for a first-innings lead and pegged back England when Duckett and Pope were in full flow. The morning session saw Chris Woakes taking 3-25 in a 10-over spell, while Gus Atkinson had Sinclair well caught by Brook in the gully.

However, England’s defensive tactics during the Da Silva and Shamar Joseph partnership allowed West Indies to claw back. The field spread for Da Silva, a strategy that has failed previous England captains, and it didn’t work again here. Da Silva lofted Mark Wood for six over the off-side and top-edged him for another maximum. Joseph, growing in confidence, pulled Atkinson for successive sixes, one of which shattered roof tiles in the Larwood and Voce Stand.

West Indies moved ahead, Root bowled some off-spin into the pads of Da Silva, who hit three fours and a six. Stokes didn’t bowl, leaving England struggling to contain Da Silva. Eventually, Joseph was dismissed, and West Indies’ fun ended, but not before setting a challenging target.