England seize control of second Test against West Indies

England have put on another fine batting display to gain the upper hand after three days of the second Test against the West Indies in Nottingham on Saturday.

The home team began the day in a precarious position, with the West Indies just 65 runs behind and five wickets in hand.

However, some strong bowling limited the visitors advantage to just 41 runs after the first innings, which England made light work of as they put on 248/3 before the close of play.

Brendon McCullum’s men now improve to $1.16 favourites at cricket bookmakers to win the second Test and gain a 2-0 series lead.

Trio of half centuries give England advantage

The day began with the West Indies carrying on where they left off, punishing the English bowlers at Trent Bridge.

Primary culprits Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge may have already departed the crease, but Joshua Da Silva stepped up to the plate.

The wicketkeeper plundered 82 runs, accompanied by a handy cameo from Shamar Joseph that took the West Indies past 450.

In response, England played some brilliant one-day cricket to erode the deficit.

While Zak Crawley again fell early, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all made tidy half centuries at impressive strike rates.

Brook remains at the crease with 71 from 78 balls, together with Joe Root on 37 from 67.

The middle order batsman pays $1.61 overnight to make a century on day four of the cricket test, with his side well positioned to post an imposing total for the visitors.

Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the West Indian bowlers on Saturday. The pacer took the wickets of both Duckett and Pope, leaking just 58 runs from his 12 overs in the second innings.

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