Brathwaite holds firm as West Indies collapse in third Test
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP)— Kraigg Brathwaite could only watch as the West Indies squandered a promising position by losing three wickets shortly before lunch on Friday’s first day of the third Test against England at Edgbaston.
The West Indies, who had been well-placed at 76-0 after Brathwaite won the toss, slumped to 97-3 as Mikyle Louis (26), Kirk McKenzie (12) and Alick Athanaze (two) were undone by England fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood.
One consolation for the tourists, who have already lost this three-match series at 2-0 down, was that West Indies captain Brathwaite was still there on 56 not out.
West Indies made a fine start after Brathwaite opted to bat first in sunny conditions on a good pitch despite his side collapsing to 143 all out as they lost the second Test at Trent Bridge by 241 runs.
But they had also led on first innings in that match after making 457, with Brathwaite’s toss decision on Friday a statement of faith in the West Indies’ top six.
It was also a move that, as an opener, he had the chance to vindicate himself.
And after a watchful start, Brathwaite drove Chris Woakes for two fours in the fifth over on the Warwickshire paceman’s home ground, a straight drive followed by a cover-drive.
Louis provided sound support as the first-wicket duo saw off a new-ball burst from Woakes and Atkinson, as well as the initial overs from express quick Wood and England captain Ben Stokes.
After the first hour, West Indies were 49-0 off 15 overs, with Brathwaite 38 not out and Louis unbeaten on 14.
The 31-year-old Brathwaite, in his 92nd Test, then completed a 70-ball fifty, including six fours.
But England hit back when Louis fended at an Atkinson delivery that moved away slightly to give wicketkeeper Jamie Smith a simple catch.
New batsman McKenzie struck three fours before, only half forward, he was bowled by a 91mph (146 kph) full-length delivery from Wood that smashed into his middle stump.
And with the last ball of the session, Athanaze carelessly bottom-edged a pull off Atkinson onto his stumps.
Atkinson had 2-40 off nine overs at lunch, with Wood having taken 1-19 in six.
