Manchester:West Indies top-order batsmen fell like a pack of cards in their second innings on Monday after England vice-captain Ben Stokes' batting masterclass in the opening session of the fifth and final day of the second #raisethebat Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
England started the day on the overnight score of 37/2, with Stokes batting on 16 and skipper Root on 8. The hosts' plan was to score quick runs and put West Indies into bat for the second time in the Test as soon as possible.
Stokes delivered with the bat once again as he put the bowlers to sword with some fine power-hitting. He smashed an unbeaten 78 off 57 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. Root, meanwhile, was run-out for 22.
England finally declared their innings on 129/3, giving West Indies a target of 312. Due to Stokes' quickfire innings, the home bowlers had a minimum 85 overs to pick 10 West Indies wickets and level the series.