The opening day of the second Test between England and West Indies at Trent Bridge saw an exhilarating display of batting from the home team. Under the aggressive Bazball approach, England amassed a total of 400 runs in a single day, setting a high standard for the rest of the match. The hosts displayed relentless aggression, captivating fans with their bold stroke play and aggressive running between the wickets.

Ben Duckett provides a strong start

England’s innings began with a flurry of boundaries from opener Ben Duckett. His attacking intent was evident from the outset as he dismantled the West Indies bowling attack. Duckett’s innings of 71 set the tone for England’s dominance, providing a solid foundation for the middle order. His aggressive start put the West Indies on the back foot early in the game.

Ollie Pope shines with a stunning ton

The highlight of the day was Ollie Pope’s magnificent century. Coming in after the early loss of Zak Crawley, Pope stabilized the innings and then accelerated, bringing up his sixth Test century. He played a superb knock of 121 runs, playing both aggressive and cautious cricket as required. Pope’s innings was crucial in ensuring England capitalized on the strong start provided by Duckett.

Captain Ben Stokes provides valuable contribution

Adding to the batting heroics was England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who scored a well-crafted 69. Stokes’ innings added stability and momentum to England’s total, with valuable contributions throughout the order. He played with his usual aggressive flair, ensuring the scoring rate remained high and keeping the pressure on the West Indies bowlers.

Also READ: Fans react as England star Ollie Pope hits a splendid century in the Trent Bridge Test against West Indies

Big task ahead for West Indies batters

Despite the initial onslaught, the West Indies bowlers managed to pull things back slightly in the last session, taking a few quick wickets and preventing England from extending their innings into the second day. However, the West Indies batters now face a daunting task on the second day, as they will have to contend with a well-rested and highly capable English bowling attack.

Here is how Netizens reacted:

A good day of cricket! England will be the happier, but six West Indies wickets in the evening session, have brought the visitors back into this game. A big day for their batters tomorrow. #ENGvWI. https://t.co/w6RnKk065r

— Terry O’Brien (@terry_obrien86) July 18, 2024

Last instance England were dismissed for 400+ on the opening day of a Test was v Australia at Edgbaston on 4 August 2005 when England made 407.#EngvWI

— Arthur_S (@allanholloway) July 18, 2024

STUMPS on Day 1️⃣: England all out!💥

Rally with the boys tomorrow morning with the bat!🏏 #ENGvWI | #MenInMaroon | #Apex pic.twitter.com/svdYXsmi7u

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 18, 2024

A gripping day of Test cricket ends with England on the driving seat 🏏#ENGvWI #cricket
Scorecard: https://t.co/rFr7OB3Jf7 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/mt4hr70OyY

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 18, 2024

It won’t matter because the Windies are miles from the team they used to be, but that’s another below par score from England. India or Australia in that situation are racking up 600 over 2 days. #ENGvWI

— Joe Williams🎗 (@hotpantsswe6) July 18, 2024

416 in one day 🤯 #ENGvWI

— larry kwirirayi ✍📔 (@kwirirayi) July 18, 2024

A very good day of cricket but also plenty to fault on both sides. And that’s what makes it beautiful I suppose? #EngVWi

— Niall Scott (@njscott1987) July 18, 2024

Bazball continuing to smash new records! 👊🏽💥 #ENGvWI #bbccricket https://t.co/6YREBi6iLH

— Dave – we are STILL Premier League – NFFC ⭐⭐ (@dj_zotov) July 18, 2024

Alick Athanaze or Jayden Seales should be captain of West Indies in Tests 👍👌 #ENGvWI @windiescricket

— Oggy 😽 (@SirOggyBilla) July 18, 2024

A Thrilling opening Days play at England 416 all out on Day 1🤣West Indies missed plenty of chances and Bowled poorly most the Day 416 is decent having been put into Bat🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏Could have been more ruthless…. #ENGvWI

— BlueNoseBear⚽️🏏🐻💙 (@YouBearsssssss) July 18, 2024

https://twitter.com/88Brooky/status/1813992482750726600

416 on day 1 of #ENGvWI Test is strong position to be in. But when Eng were 342-5, it looked like they might post even bigger total and bat into tomorrow. May not hurt Eng in this match but vs stronger opponents, Eng will have to be ruthless and nail down advantage #Cricket

— MediumPaceDobbler (@MediumPaceDobb1) July 18, 2024

416 is way way better than I expected. Respectable is the word. 😂 #ENGvWI

— 🇮🇳Habibti🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Yas_Queen17) July 18, 2024

Day 1 closed as Bashir nicks Alzarri with England all out at 416

West Indies will bat to start the Day 2 tomorrow morn. #ENGvWI https://t.co/K9NrZTzL9U pic.twitter.com/PBZhXKlqXt

— UndergraD🏏 (@ugcric) July 18, 2024

England all out for 416 to end the first day. Fun day of cricket.

Pope with a great 121#ENGvWI

— Cai 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cai_CFC) July 18, 2024

Also WATCH: ENG vs WI – Jason Holder plucks an incredible catch to dismiss Ben Duckett in the 2nd Test

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