Ojajuni Dorcas
At Edgbaston, England stays optimistic about setting a solid score against the West Indies, even after losing wickets late on day one of the third test. Chris Woakes mentioned this.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed before the close, along with nightwatchman Mark Wood, leaving England at 38-3 in response to the West Indies' 282. Both Crawley and Duckett fell to expansive drives, which Woakes admitted didn't pay off this time.
However, the all-rounder believes England's middle order can compensate on a pitch still favorable for batting. Joe Root and Ollie Pope will resume unbeaten on two and six, respectively, on Saturday.
"You'd naturally prefer to go into the close with no more than one wicket down, so credit to the West Indies for taking three wickets in a tricky period," said Woakes, who was back in familiar surroundings as a Warwickshire player. "Our openers always take a positive approach, making it hard for the bowlers, but it's still a good batting surface. We have two top players at the crease and a strong middle order capable of building partnerships and putting up big runs."
'Atkinson Emerges as a Key Bowler'
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson had a standout day, taking four wickets and narrowly missing a third five-wicket haul in his first five Test innings. Achieving that would have placed him among an elite group of only four England players since World War One.
Atkinson, 26, has now taken 20 wickets in Test cricket, with only six players having taken more in their first three Tests. If he takes five wickets in the second innings, he will top that list. His short-pitched delivery to dismiss Gudakesh Motie impressed former England fast bowler Steven Finn.
"That delivery shows what makes Gus Atkinson special - his ability to surprise," Finn said on BBC Test Match Special. "The bounce and skiddiness he generates make him a formidable prospect."
Woakes hailed Atkinson's smooth transition to Test cricket and his versatile skills, stating, "Kudos to him, he's bowled exceptionally well since his debut. His performance at Lord's was outstanding, and he continues to shine on challenging pitches. With his ability to swing the ball, master the wobble seam, and effectively use the short-ball tactic, he's proving to be an all-round bowler. It's truly inspiring to witness his impressive start in Test cricket."
Post a Comment