England survived a mid-innings wobble to beat West Indies by four wickets in the second one-day international and win the series with a match to spare.
I thought Chris played exceptionally well. He took a lot of pressure off me at the other end. I think that’s a sign of good side, where you don’t just rely on one player.
Joe Root, England
With their side reeling against a familiar foe – spin bowling – at 124 for 6 and having just lost 4 for 16, Joe Root and Chris Woakes produced an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 102 to take England to a four-wicket victory with 10 deliveries remaining. It means England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with only Thursday’s game in Barbados to come.
Liam Plunkett took 3-32 as West Indies, despite 50 from Jason Mohammed, were bowled out for 225 in 47.5 overs. Root (90), superbly supported by Chris Woakes, who contributed an unbeaten 68 in a century stand, helped England to a four-wicket win which sees them take an unassailable 2-0 series lead into Thursday’s final ODI in Barbados.
Root’s typically composed innings, which featured just three boundaries in 127 deliveries, and Woakes’ more adventurous 83-ball knock guided England to an 11th win out of their last 12 completed ODIs against West Indies. Root was named man of the match but Woakes was perhaps equally deserving of the award having also recorded figures of 0-26 from eight accurate overs with the ball.
Batsmen needed to play patiently on a slow wicket at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium – the same one used in the first match on Friday – but only new Test captain Root and all-rounder Woakes really mastered the conditions.
Morgan on Woakes
“Woakes is a guy who keeps giving to the team and a man who often goes without the majority of the praise and that’s just his character. We don’t want to rely on him too much but he is a luxury down the bottom of the order. We want to win all three games, we will be putting out our best 11 in Barbados.”
England v West Indies this summer in Birmingham
These two sides will go head to head in the UK’s first ever Day/Night Test Match on Thursday 17 – Monday 21 August when England return to their fortress. With an electric atmosphere, fancy dress and a huge range of fan activities, this historic match under the Edgbaston floodlights is a must see. Tickets are on sale priced at just £6 for Under 16s and £26 for Adults. Please call 0844 847 1902 or click here to book online.
Alternatively, you can check out all our hospitality packages that are available by calling 0121 222 9057 or emailing our Hospitality team. Please note, hospitality for day 1 (Thursday 17 August) and day 2 (Friday 18 August) are on the verge of selling out.
