Britain in the West Indies: Mentally strong tourists have to line up for the draw in the First Test

England had to settle for a draw on the first test against the West Indies despite a spirited performance on the final day in Antigua.

His team took four bumblebees for eight runs on either side of a cup of tea to boost their hopes, crank Jack Leach claimed 3-57 on a lifeless pitch.

But the West Indies, who didn’t attempt to chase a 286 goal in their 71 rounds, were bolstered by a steady, unbroken 80’s between the first half centurion and all-around all-rounder Jason Holder, lasting 35.5 rounds.

Importantly, England did not consider the lbw appeal against Holder with 22 outstanding bonds. If they do, he will be fired by Leach.

Instead, he ended 37 games without starting and Bonner was unbeaten in 38 games, the players shook hands with the score 147-4.

England’s cause was hurt by the absence of fast pitcher Mark Wood, who sat out the half with an elbow injury and is now a suspect for the second test, which begins in Wednesday in Barbados.

Prior to that, despite losing five outstanding players, England added 132 to their second-half total before claiming 20 minutes before lunch on 349-6.

Root turned his overnight 84 into 109, while Dan Lawrence scored 37 from 36 balls in a surprise appearance as England looked for quick runs.

The test, the first of three in this series, may have ended in a draw but England’s improved performance in the final two days offers some momentum as they want to continue. after the humiliating 4-0 defeat of Ashes.

Pitch prevents England from spirit

With pitchers at their disposal, England did all that could realistically be expected of them in their quest for victory on the final day.

Root announced earlier than expected and the left-hander was slow, Leach was particularly good at bowling, but the tourists were thwarted by a docile throw.

After the West Indies slowly took a 59-0 lead, Ben Stokes knocked Brathwaite off, causing him to lose the ball with a ball that went under, but then there was a bit of mischief in the field.

Wood’s additional pace was missed and, without it, players Chris Woakes and Craig Overton played ineffectively.

Opener John Campbell was caught trying to hit Leach over the head and Jermaine Blackwood was swerved across the street – two bad shots that helped England.

However, once Bonner and Holder were involved, they were able to defend with relative ease, even with attackers surrounding the bat.

England will have a glimmer of light if they reconsider lbw’s decision against Holder but Root, wary after burning through two previous reviews of lbw’s upbeat screams, was unmoved. Technology thinks Leach’s deliveries will be difficult.

Root held on until only five balls were left before accepting the cause as lost.

Positive for England

England were aggressive from the start and opener Zak Crawley, who continued the game with 117, was bowling when he tried to attack a Holder yorker with a score of 121.

That ended a 201st-placed game between Crawley and Root, but the England captain went on to complete one of his Simplest Test centuries.

A championship blow has helped him pass Alastair Cook on the list of most offensive players as England captain, and will silence any debate surrounding his return to the position. third place in the batting order.

Perhaps most impressively, Lawrence’s brief innings gave England the impetus. After being called back to the field for this test, the 24-year-old cleared the ball over the edge from the start and hit an extremely luxurious 6.

This series has been heralded as a new era for England after claiming a win in 14 Tests.

Lawrence’s innings, plus performances from Leach, Crawley and first-half center Jonny Bairstow were positive.

There are still concerns about Woakes’ prowess abroad and Overton’s threat of catching the ball at this level, while Stokes, who is nursing a hip injury since Wednesday’s Ashes Test in October January, threw 41 balls in the match.

He had to hope that didn’t come back to hurt them.

‘I can’t fault anyone today’ – reaction

England captain Joe Root: “I’m really proud of the team today and throughout the week.

“We found ourselves in a difficult position on day one and to get back into the game through those great innings from Jonny [Bairstow] very happy. Throughout the game, we get better and better.

“And today, chasing those last baddies, I can’t fault any of anyone’s efforts.”

Players of the match Nkrumah Bonner: “We are happy with the draw, but want a win.

“I think we showed real character the way we were bowling this morning in a special way.

“We have a lot of positive things to take advantage of from this game.”

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew: “England tried their best to strangle a result. Root’s statement took many by surprise, but it’s always difficult without Wood.

“Leach’s three rackets will lift him after the Ashes, the fact that three hitters have scored centuries of age as well as a boost for a team that is hungry for more aggressive territory.

“There’s been another spring in the field’s footsteps – and a sign of the collective responsibility Root is trying to establish.”