On Day 1 of the 3rd Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Indies faced a challenging start after being bowled out for 282 runs. Despite a resilient 61-run innings from Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored his half-century off 70 balls and hit 8 fours, West Indies struggled against England’s disciplined bowling attack. Gus Atkinson was particularly impressive, claiming four wickets, while Chris Woakes added three to his tally. West Indies initially looked strong, with Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis managing to negotiate the opening overs, but their innings faltered as England’s bowlers tightened their grip.

West Indies top order collapse

England capitalized on their bowling prowess, dismissing West Indies for 282 runs. After a solid start by Brathwaite and Louis, the West Indies innings unraveled quickly. England’s bowlers, led by Atkinson and Woakes, dismantled the middle and lower order. Following Brathwaite’s dismissal for 61, the West Indies collapsed from 76/0 to 115/5, with rapid wickets falling post-lunch. Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson were instrumental in this collapse, causing West Indies to lose five wickets quickly, limiting their first-innings total.

Jason Holder and Joshua da Silva rescue West Indies

Jason Holder and Joshua Da Silva provided a much-needed rescue act for the West Indies, constructing a crucial unbroken 79-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Both players demonstrated resilience and maturity, with Holder scoring 59 and Da Silva contributing 49. Their efforts helped West Indies recover from a precarious position of 97/3 to a more respectable 194/5 by tea. Their partnership was key in stabilizing the innings and ensuring West Indies set a competitive total.

England’s response stalled by West Indies’ early breakthroughs

England’s reply began with difficulties as they lost three early wickets in their pursuit of West Indies’ total. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell to Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph respectively, with Duckett’s dismissal coming via an inside edge onto his own stumps. Mark Wood, who was promoted as a nightwatchman, was caught by Seales in the slips. England ended the day at 38/3, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root tasked with navigating a tricky period before stumps, leaving the match delicately poised.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

West Indies gone from being disappointed with their innings to be a lot happier at the state of England’s all in the space of 20 odd minutes 🤦🏻‍♀️

— Amy (@blue_nose_amy) July 26, 2024

This is embarrassing from England west indies haven’t really had to work for these wickets

— Markbhafc 🇺🇦 (@markbhafc777) July 26, 2024

The short ball to Ollie Pope from Jayden Seales did reminiscence me of the Windies of 80’s in front of my eyes for a second 🫠🔥#ENGvWI

— Dinesh here 🙋‍♂️🇿🇦 (@dinesh_offl_06) July 26, 2024

Sometimes, watching Ben Stokes’ captaincy decision is like watching a child struggling to colour inside the lines. Why on earth send in Wood with nearly 20 minutes to play. Guarantee if he didn’t go in Duckett ends the night in with Pope. Duckett saw that as a red flag.
#ENGvWI

— Dan (@_Dan_UW) July 26, 2024

A neat little session for WI, picking up 3 wickets in 8 overs. England’s middle order has been in good form, WI would want to keep intensity high tomorrow morning to keep the game alive. #ENGvWI

— Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596) July 26, 2024

Well that batting display from our openers was not good… 😬 #ENGvWI

— Harry 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@harryxafc) July 26, 2024

🏏 I’ve never understood why teams send in a Night Watchman but, when that player is out before the close of play, they send in a proper batter rather than another Night Watchman. #ENGvWI #Cricket

— Ian Senior 🇬🇧 (@tweatirs) July 26, 2024

Top catch from Jason. Good period of play for Windies! 💪#ENGvWI

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 26, 2024

West Indies 🔥🔥

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) July 26, 2024

Brilliant bowling from Gus Atkinson 👏#cricket #ENGvWI #GusAtkinson #englandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/RkIeFf3D3F

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 26, 2024

3️⃣ WICKETS DOWN!🔥 #ENGvWI | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Wros6hNyS3

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 26, 2024

An action-packed day of Test cricket comes to an end 🤝 pic.twitter.com/75jGqVu9sD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 26, 2024

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