Twitter Reactions: England dominate Day 1 against West Indies, suffer three late blows

ENG vs WI (Twitter)

After winning the toss at Edgbaston, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite decided to bat first on a surface that is expected to produce runs. Eventually, the visitors managed to start strong as openers Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis stitched a 76-run partnership. Their partnership gave the momentum but unfortunately, West Indies failed to capitalize. Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood picked up two quick wickets right before the lunch which put West Indies slightly on the back foot.

However, with many quality batters remaining, there was a sense of optimism in the dressing room, especially as the skipper looked to be in good form. However, right after lunch, West Indies lost two more wickets as Brathwaite departed for 61 runs while Chris Woakes bamboozled Kavem Hodge, who left a straight delivery and got bowled. After that, Jason Holder and Joshua de Silva took charge and brought West Indies back into the contest.

Also Read – WATCH: Mark Wood castles Kirk McKenzie with absolute ripper on Day 1 at Edgbaston

They stitched a 109-run partnership, which was extremely vital. Holder made a crucial 59 runs while Silva scored 49. After their dismissals, wickets fell quickly as West Indies were bundled for 282 runs. Gus Atkinson once again had a terrific day with the ball, picking up four wickets while Woakes supported him well with three wickets.

England suffered two early blows when they came out to bat. It was expected from the openers to see the day off but Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph were too hot to handle. First, Seales sent Zak Crawley back to the pavilion for 18 runs while Joseph picked up the wicket of Ben Duckett, who had a terrific time with the bat in the series. The hosts promoted Mark Wood as night watchman but the pacer too got out without opening his tally, putting England under pressure.

West Indies bowled eight overs on Day 1 as England are 38/3, trailing by 244 runs. Joe Root and Ollie Pope finished the day off and will be hoping to help England take a lead on Day 2.

Here’s how X reacted:

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs 🌴 | Stumps on day one.

West Indies hit back with three wickets to leave England 38 for 3.

The hosts trail by 244 runs.#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/1tM6J5Jp1H

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 26, 2024

Sometimes, watching Ben Stokes’ captaincy decision is like watching a child struggling to colour inside the lines. Why on earth send in Wood with nearly 20 minutes to play. Guarantee if he didn’t go in Duckett ends the night in with Pope. Duckett saw that as a red flag.
#ENGvWI

— Dan (@_Dan_UW) July 26, 2024

A neat little session for WI, picking up 3 wickets in 8 overs. England’s middle order has been in good form, WI would want to keep intensity high tomorrow morning to keep the game alive. #ENGvWI

— Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596) July 26, 2024

West Indies are on top!England are in tatters as they end the day at 38-3 giving West Indies a big edge💪.#ENGVWI pic.twitter.com/qFlMmEEdYY

— Cricket With Smile (@MIsmailShabbir3) July 26, 2024

England vs West indies 3rd test match stumps day 1
England 38/3 after 8 overs, trail by 244 runs #ENGvWI #Cricket

— Mustafa Saleem (@Callmemustafa_) July 26, 2024

Stumps [Day 1] | @englandcricket 38-3 [8] #ENGvWI @englandcricket trail by 2️⃣4️⃣4️⃣ runs pic.twitter.com/Fb46EJV4C1

— LiveSportCricket (@LSportCricket) July 26, 2024

13 wickets at day 1 #ENGvWI

— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) July 26, 2024

Some seriously sloppy batting by England’s openers this evening..#ENGvWI

— Ron Martin (@SirRonaldM) July 26, 2024

West Indies Cricket Team’s Success feels like personal🥺#ENGvWI

— Assadᡣ𐭩🇵🇸 (@CallMeAssadVK18) July 26, 2024

Most 50+ scores in Tests since 2021

Most 50+ scores in Tests since 2021

28 – Joe Root
20 – Dimuth Karunaratne
19 – Usman Khawaja
19 – Marnus Labuschagne
18 – Steve Smith
15 – Kraigg Brathwaite*
15 – Zak Crawley
15 – Babar Azam#ENGvWI

— Leon India (@LeonBetIN) July 26, 2024