Stuart Broad dismantles West Indies batting order as England take full control in series decider

Broad stars as England dominate Day three of series decider
Getty Images for ECB
Matt Davies26 July 2020

Stuart Broad stole the show with a blistering bowling masterclass as England took a commanding lead with two days remaining in their series decider against the West Indies at Old Trafford.

The 34-year-old finished the first innings with figures of six for 31 as England bowled the visitors all out for 197 before lunch. The home side then declared leading by 398, with Monday's poor weather forecast at the forefront of Joe Root's mind.

England bowled six overs at West Indies late on, with Broad taking his fifth and sixth wickets of the day as the visitors finished on ten for two heading into day four.

The West Indies now need a serious helping hand from the ever-darkening clouds above if they are to stand any chance of retaining the Wisden Trophy.

After a dominant evening session on Day two, England entered the morning's play chasing four wickets, with the visitors 232 behind and needing 33 runs to avoid the follow-on.

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England started the morning slow and sluggish as Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich extended their partnership beyond 50, eliminating any option of a follow-on as they eased past the 170 mark in a frustrating spell for Jofra Archer and Chis Woakes.

In came the formidable duo of James Anderson and Broad, and it was the latter who brought a halt to the innings in a flash. He claimed all four wickets for 14 runs in just four overs as the West Indies fell for 197.

Broad in turn moved to 497 Test wickets, just three short of the 500 milestone, also taking his 12th six-wicket haul, of which no player in England Test history has taken more.

Rory Burns and Dom Sibley played themselves in for 20 minutes before lunch, but really got to work before the tea break, where they strolled in 86 without loss and with a lead of 258.

Getty Images for ECB

England's openers put their foot on the gas after tea with the hosts racing towards a 300 lead. Burns and Sibley both brought up half-centuries within three overs of each other, though the latter was then dismissed for lbw just six runs later.

With Root coming in at No.3, England brought the run-rate right up, the captain claiming his 49th Test half-century in just as many balls as the home side's lead extended just shy of the 400 mark.

All eyes were on Root, and the Yorkshireman finally decided to declare with England on 226 for two after Burns was dismissed for 90, the captain left with an emphatic 68 not out.

The visitors needed anything but an early wicket, but they simply couldn't keep Broad at bay. He took yet another two wickets in just three overs to leave the West Indies in a desperate position.

Heading into day four, it's just the weather that will prevent an England win. The visitors will resume on ten for two, chasing the target of 398 to draw after a perfect day for the hosts.

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