And with the fall of that wicket, England have declared, no messing about, 36 runs added in 25 minutes or so, and Root is ready to crack on and try to win this Test. West Indies' notional target is a distant 485, or surviving almost six sessions - though the forecast bad weather might give them a hand.
Allan Morris: "Oh poor Stokes! Couldn't they have let him get to his 50 at least? Flummoxed." It's like Athers declaring on Hick 1994-95 all over again
"I guess we will find out in 5 minutes!" hoots Tony, on the subject of quickies on the beach. "Hope the bowlers get a bucket full of wickets before lunch ;) "
JE Root c Hetmyer b Gabriel 122 (317m 225b 10x4 0x6) SR: 54.22
Tony: "Are England's bowlers still at the beach or preparing to put the white on and bowl? Obviously Stokes is here, Root to open the bowling with his slowies." I think they're done building sandcastles and ready to knock a few over
END OF OVER:105 | 9 Runs | ENG: 360/4
- Joe Root122 (224b)
- Ben Stokes47 (74b)
- Alzarri Joseph16-2-72-1
- Shannon Gabriel23-1-94-1
"Rather depressing that a reaction to an alleged slur is being perceived as a smokescreen to a disappointing tour, rather than being discussed as the issue that it clearly is." Indeed, Graham Campbell. And I think that's a pretty good final word on the subject
Alzarri Joseph replaces Roach
END OF OVER:104 | 6 Runs | ENG: 351/4
- Joe Root119 (221b)
- Ben Stokes41 (71b)
- Shannon Gabriel23-1-94-1
- Kemar Roach18-6-45-1
"Have you ever known a player to read your commentary? I'd find it pretty satisfying back at the hotel reading your description of me smashing it all over the park." Not that they tell us, Bolton. Although I have known Mike Atherton to read (and reply to) something I'd written
"Good Morning. What unbeaten score would Root need here to take his average above 50 again?" Pretty sure it's something like 137 not out, Edward Little
Just one wide-ish slip in now
