ENG vs WI: Mark Wood packs punch as England sweep series with 10-wicket victory over West Indies in third Test

England completed a whitewash over West Indies at Edgbaston, with Mark Wood and Ben Stokes producing match-winning performances to clinch the third Test by 10 wickets on July 28. Wood's pace proved too much for the West Indies batters as he tore through their lower order, claiming five wickets in a devastating spell after lunch. His final figures of 5/40 helped England bowl out the visitors for a modest total. Stokes then unleashed a blistering innings, smashing an unbeaten half-century from just 24 balls to guide England to a comfortable 10-wicket victory.

West Indies fought hard but England's Ben Stokes stole the show

Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge both scored half-centuries, with Louis registering his maiden Test fifty, as West Indies battled to set England a modest target. However, Ben Stokes, promoted to opener in place of the injured Zak Crawley, produced a blistering innings. His unbeaten 55 off just 28 balls, the fastest Test fifty for England, powered the hosts to a crushing 10-wicket victory and a clean sweep of the series.

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West Indies resumed their second innings with a precarious lead, but England quickly seized control. Alick Athanaze was dismissed early despite a dropped catch, and Kavem Hodge was also fortunate to survive a difficult chance.

Kavem Hodge and Mikyle Louis counterattack for West Indies

Kavem Hodge capitalised on his dropped catch, launching a counterattack alongside Mikyle Louis. Louis, in particular, impressed with his aggressive strokeplay, including two powerful sixes, as he brought up his maiden Test fifty. However, the West Indies' momentum was halted when Louis was caught behind off the bowling of Ben Stokes (1/42). England's injury woes continued as Zak Crawley sustained an injury while dropping Jason Holder at 12. Despite the error, England managed to dismiss Holder in the following over, with Gus Atkinson (2-28) claiming the wicket.

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Wood's devastating spell decimates West Indies

Kavem Hodge had battled to a well-made half-century but found himself unable to accelerate against the relentless pressure from Mark Wood. The England paceman produced a lethal spell of reverse-swing bowling, dismissing Joshua Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph with unplayable deliveries. Wood completed his five-wicket haul by removing Hodge, Kavem Seales, and Shamar Joseph in a single over, effectively ending the West Indies innings.

England's victory was swift and emphatic, with Ben Stokes' blistering 24-ball fifty taking center stage. Duckett provided able support, but it was Stokes' innings that dominated, narrowly missing out on breaking Misbah-ul-Haq's record for the fastest Test fifty.

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