Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts
 

England vs West Indies, 1st Test: Holder lauds Gabriel and Blackwood after Windies take series lead

Jason Holder saluted Shannon Gabriel and Jermaine Blackwood after they "led the charge" in a brilliant four-wicket win for West Indies over England.

By Peter Thompson
England vs West Indies, 1st Test: Holder lauds Gabriel and Blackwood after Windies take series lead

Southampton, July 13: Jason Holder saluted Shannon Gabriel and Jermaine Blackwood after they "led the charge" in a magnificent four-wicket win for West Indies over England in the first Test.

Fit-again quick Gabriel took 5-75 – giving him match figures of 9-137 - to bowl England out for 313 and leave the tourists needing 200 for victory on the final day at the Rose Bowl.

West Indies were in deep trouble on 27-3 with John Campbell having retired hurt due to a toe injury, but Blackwood and Roston Chase (37) put on 73 for the fourth wicket.

Recalled batsman Blackwood fell for a classy and mature 95, but Campbell returned to hit the winning runs on a gripping Sunday behind closed doors in Southampton.

England vs West Indies, 1st Test, Highlights: Brilliant Blackwood stars as Windies take 1-0 lead in SouthamptonEngland vs West Indies, 1st Test, Highlights: Brilliant Blackwood stars as Windies take 1-0 lead in Southampton

Holder was full of praise for his side after they secured victory in the first international fixture since the coronavirus pandemic brought sport to a halt.

The Windies captain told Test Match Special: "I'm really happy. The boys have worked hard and it's good to see it pay off.

1
46753

"I'm happy that Gabriel came back well and Blackwood too. They put their hands up and led the charge.

"It was a nerve-wracking start after losing quick three wickets and Campbell to injury. But Roston and Jermaine put on a good partnership and settled the nerves. From there we could build on.

"I missed the Barmy Army. But it was a level playing field without the crowds. It's been a good start back to international cricket, it sets the series up quite nicely."

The second Test begins at the bio-secure bubble of Old Trafford on Thursday, with West Indies eyeing a first series win in England since 1988.

Story first published: Monday, July 13, 2020, 0:31 [IST]
Other articles published on Jul 13, 2020