Root and Stokes Revitalize England's Innings in Third Test Against West Indies

Joe Root and Ben Stokes led a strong comeback for England in the third test against the West Indies at Edgbaston. Root’s unbeaten 58 and Stokes’ 48 ensured England reached 157-5 by lunch on the second day. The pair added 103 runs after a poor start, reducing the deficit to 125 runs.

Joe Root hit an unbeaten 58, and captain Ben Stokes remained 48 not out as England fought back to reach lunch at 157-5 on the second day of the third test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Saturday. The experienced pair steadied the innings, putting on 103 runs to leave the hosts trailing by 125 runs with five wickets remaining.

Root's 63rd half-century in test cricket came after surviving an lbw appeal when he was on 10. Stokes played some characteristic aggressive shots, with his 48 coming up in 62 balls, as the session saw more than 100 runs scored despite England's poor start.

Resuming at 38-3 in reply to the West Indies' 282, England lost two early wickets. Ollie Pope was bowled in the third over by Shamar Joseph’s delivery, which stayed low and took an inside edge into the stumps. Harry Brook was caught behind for two from a loose stroke, giving Jayden Seales his third wicket.

However, Root and Stokes counter-attacked successfully, and their century partnership came off 128 balls. England have already secured the series, having won the first two tests by an innings and 114 runs at Lord’s and 241 runs at Trent Bridge.