England Smash Record with Fastest Team 50 in Test Cricket History
England's batting lineup unleashed a blistering assault on the West Indies in the second Test at Trent Bridge, setting a new record for the fastest team to reach 50 runs in Test cricket history.
Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope led the charge, smashing the West Indian bowlers to all corners of the ground. Duckett reached his half-century in just 23 balls, while Pope followed suit with a 24-ball fifty. England reached the 50-run mark in a mere 4.2 overs, eclipsing their previous record of 4.3 overs set against South Africa in 1994.
The West Indies, who had opted to field first, were left reeling as England's batsmen dominated the opening session. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite's decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly as the English openers took full advantage of the favorable batting conditions.
England's relentless onslaught continued as Joe Root and Harry Brook joined the party. Root scored a quickfire 45, while Brook contributed a brisk 34. The hosts reached lunch at 152/2, with the West Indies bowlers struggling to contain the English batsmen.
After the break, England continued to pile on the runs. Stokes and Jamie Smith added a quick 50-run partnership before Stokes was dismissed for 36. Smith remained unbeaten on 31 as England declared their innings at 258/4, setting the West Indies a challenging target of 373 to win.
The West Indies' response was far less impressive. They lost three wickets in the first session, including the key wicket of Brathwaite for just 1. At the close of play, the West Indies were struggling at 54/3, still needing 319 runs to avoid defeat.
England's dominance in the second Test has put them in a commanding position in the three-match series. They will be confident of securing a series victory in the third and final Test at Old Trafford, which begins on June 29.
Tags: #EnglandCricket, #WestIndiesCricket, #TestCricket, #TrentBridge, #BenDuckett
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