Ben Stokes Sets Record as England Sweeps West Indies 3-0

Ben Stokes broke the record for the fastest test 50 by an Englishman as England defeated the West Indies to sweep the series 3-0. Mark Wood's exceptional 5-40 helped seal the victory. England dominated the series, winning all three tests by significant margins.

Ben Stokes shattered the record for the fastest test 50 by an Englishman, and Mark Wood's remarkable performance with figures of 5-40 propelled England to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over the West Indies on the third day of the third test, securing a 3-0 series sweep.

Stokes needed just 24 deliveries to reach his half-century, finishing with 57 off 28 balls, and clinched the win with a six off Kraigg Brathwaite. Ben Duckett added a quickfire 25 off 16 balls. The explosive opening duo's run rate of nearly 12 per over propelled England to 87-0 in just 7.2 overs in their second innings. Stokes, filling in for the injured Zak Crawley, seized the opportunity to entertain the Edgbaston crowd with his blistering performance.

West Indies, starting the day at 33-2, crumbled under the relentless pace of Wood, who took five wickets in a devastating post-lunch spell. As the visitors collapsed from 156-5 to 175 all out, England was left with a modest target of 82 runs, which they chased down with ease.

Captain Ben Stokes lauded Wood’s spell, highlighting his lion-hearted performance. Gus Atkinson also played a key role with 2-28, while Stokes himself took the crucial wicket of West Indies' top-scorer Mikyle Louis for 57. Stokes' record-breaking 50, achieved in just 24 balls, eclipsed Ian Botham's 43-year-old record and stands as the third fastest in test cricket history. Gus Atkinson, the series' standout performer, finished with 22 wickets overall. England’s dominance was evident from their victories in the earlier tests, triumphing by an innings and 114 runs at Lord's and by 241 runs at Trent Bridge.