Jason Holder’s all-round brilliance propelled the West Indies to a respectable total of 282 on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston, despite England’s early dominance.
After winning the toss and opting to bat on a favorable surface, the West Indies made a promising start, reaching 76-0. However, a batting collapse reminiscent of their struggles in the previous two Tests saw them lose five wickets around the lunch break.
Holder and Joshua Da Silva steadied the ship with a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 109 runs, but the tail failed to contribute significantly. Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes were the pick of the English bowlers, claiming four and three wickets respectively.
Holder’s crucial 59 runs, including a 92-ball fifty, gave the West Indies a glimmer of hope in the series they trail 2-0. His innings was complemented by Da Silva’s 49 and Brathwaite’s 61.
England’s shaky start in response saw them lose both openers in consecutive deliveries. Zak Crawley fell for eight, edging a loose drive to Holder at second slip, while Ben Duckett played on to Alzarri Joseph on the very next ball. Nightwatchman Mark Wood also departed for a duck, edging Seales to Holder, leaving Ollie Pope and Joe Root to resume England’s innings on Saturday.
The West Indies’ resurgence continued as Holder took two excellent slip catches, contributing to England’s shaky start. They ended the day at 38-3, still 244 runs behind.
