Not for the first time this summer, even winning a series against South Africa, showed that England were fallible to collapses as seen at Trent Bridge.
Being heavy favourites against a team that hadn’t won in England since Jimmy Adams touring side of 2000 at Edgbaston, was soon seen to be true, as the first historical test under floodlights also Edgbaston, see the West Indies defeated inside 3 days to an innings defeat.
Jason Holder’s team under pressure going into Headingley, made a great start by bowling England out for 258 with Ben Stokes’ making a great century.
West Indies wobbled at 35-3 before the partnership between Braithwaite and Hope of over 200 runs with the pair making 134 and 147 respectively.
England made a better effort second time round with 6 players all contributing half centuries as captain Joe Root set the West Indies 322 to win the test.
Headingley, famous for Ian Botham’s Ashes knock in 1981, needed something heroic again and it came from first innings hero Hope.
His 118 paved the way for major contributions from Braithwaite, Chase and a quick fire knock from Blackwood to win the test match for Stuart Law’s side.
England, who will have to go back to the drawing board ahead of picking the touring side to Australia in the winter, will remain unchanged, with some spots in the side, still up for grabs, which makes Lords a fantastic spectacle for the series finale, starting on Thursday.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday are sold out, with day 4 still available.
For more details go to www.tickets.lords.org
