Stokes record takes England to series sweep against Windies

BIRMINGHAM, UK:

England captain Ben Stokes led his side to a commanding 10-wicket victory over the West Indies, securing a series sweep on the third day of the final Test at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Stokes scored the fastest Test half-century by an English batsman, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 28 balls.

England reached the victory target of 82 runs in just 7.2 overs. This was followed by a stunning bowling performance from Mark Wood, who claimed five wickets for seven runs in four overs, reducing the West Indies to 175 in their second innings.

Zac Crawley’s arm injury allowed Stokes to push himself up the order, and he took full advantage, bowling to all parts of the ground. Ben Duckett supported with 25 runs off 16 balls.

England achieved their own record for the fastest team fifty in Test cricket, reaching the mark in 4.2 overs. Stokes’ 50 balls surpassed Ian Botham’s record half-century of 28 balls in 1981.

“Very nice to get past Beefy (Botham) with that. A bottle of champagne from him would be better appreciated than a well-crafted message,” remarked Stokes. “I don’t think we should underestimate this series. We were 50-5 at one stage but we fought back to win it in three days,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Wood’s brilliant post-lunch spell broke the tourists’ queue. His five-wicket haul included three wickets in a single over. “I pride myself on keeping my speeds up. Over the years it’s been up and down, but I manage to keep it up in these games,” Wood said. “I’ve already watched my spell highlights twice and will watch a few more.”

Despite half-centuries from Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge, West Indies struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Louis, who followed up with Alick Athanaze on 33-2, reached his 50 with a six before being caught by Crawley off Stokes. Hodge quickly reached his half-century but became Wood’s second victim, caught behind after an edge.

Wood’s wickets of Joshua da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph, caught at second slip by Harry Brook, completed the West Indies’ innings.

England now prepare for a three-Test home series against Sri Lanka starting on August 21, while the West Indies face South Africa in a two-Test series next week.