Manchester: A thrilling final day is one the cards, given that England captain Joe Root has to go for an early declaration while setting an achievable target for West Indies in the 2nd Test at The Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. England currently have 219 runs lead over the West Indies and they have a chance to level the series before the third Test at the same venue.
West Indies, who lead the series 1-0, failed to capitalize on a good start as the Caribbean team collapsed from 227 for 4 at tea to 287 all out in the final session on Day 4. They narrowly avoided follow-on.
The second Test of three-match series would have gone for a draw if West Indies batsmen didn't get dismissed cheaply.
In the second innings, England were 37 for 2 at the time of Day 4 stumps. Fast bowler Kemar Roach (2-14) claimed both wickets as the West Indies pacer bowled promoted opener Jos Buttler (0) and Zak Crawley (11).
However, the most notable performer of the day was pacer Stuart Broad, who took three wickets giving away 1 run from 14 balls and demonstrated a superb performance with the second new ball that revived England's hope of winning the match. Later on Sunday, Broad indicated that England might sacrifice few runs in order to get the second new ball.
"We need to set up the game in the first 45 minutes to an hour pon Day 5. The dream world [would be to] try and get two new balls because we've seen the new ball has behaved slightly differently on this pitch, and gives the bowlers a real chance. We've given ourselves a chance of winning this game which is a great position to be in, " Broad said.
England declared their first innings 469 runs for 9 with Dom Sibley (120) and Ben Stokes (176) scoring hundred. In reply, West Indies could score 287.
