West Indies dream of ending their three-decade drought of winning a Test series against England, in England collapsed to a nine-wicket defeat in the decisive third and final Test at Lord’s last week.
When the West Indies started the third day in need of another special effort to win the series, the regional team failed to repeat their heroic win at Headingly a week before, were dismissed for a paltry 171 in their second innings.
Set a mere target of 107 for victory, England cruised to complete a 2-1 series win, following their innings and 209 run victory in the day/night first Test at Edgbaston.
The result sent West Indies to their 16th defeat in their last 21 Tests in England and extended their dismal record of not having won a series in England since l988.
Resuming on 98 for 3 — a mere three runs lead — West Indies’ fight depended on Barbadian Shai Hope who top-scored with 62. Captain Jason Holder scored 23 but the remainder of the batting surrendered without a fight as Windies lost their last seven wickets for 78 runs with two days to spare.
England’s bowler Jimmy Henderson claimed 7 for 42.
Hope was voted Man-of-the Series for his 375 runs at an average of 75.
With a small target to win, England lost opening batsman Alastair Cook for 17, missing a straight one from leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, falling lbw for 35.
However, Tom Westley struck 44 not out off 72 balls with seven fours, while Mark Stoneman hit an unbeaten 40 off 74 balls with five boundaries, to take England to victory in a 72-wicket second-wicket stand.
