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Ollie Pope and Jos Buttler made their first big score in the series by placing an undefeated position of 136 runs to rebuild England’s innings against the West Indies and put the hosts on top on the first day of the decisive test at Old Trafford. on Friday.

England rallied from 122-4 just before tea to close 258-4, with Pope 91 as he seeks his second test century and Buttler 56.

Both players were under pressure to deliver in the third test after disappointing performances so far in this series. Buttler, in particular, feels the warmth of Ben Foakes for the wicketkeeper role and the first half-century in testing since September justified selectors’ endorsement of the limitation specialist.

England vs West Indies, Third Test Day 1: Highlights

Buttler crushed retired spinner Rahkeem Cornwall by two sixes in the same envelope, one on the medium-deep wicket and the other on the long, but otherwise remained measured and largely restrained in a 120-ball stroke. His only century of testing came two years ago against India.

Pope, whose highest score in this series was 12, compiled his runs fastest, a rarity for a hitter alongside Buttler, and hit 11 quarters before the poor light stopped play during the day about 10 minutes before the scheduled end. in Manchester.

Before Pope and Buttler joined, England’s wisdom was questioned by deploying a truncated batting lineup and including four fast bowlers along with a roulette wheel.

Dom Sibley (0) started from the sixth ball of the day after playing with Kemar Roach and getting caught lbw, and captain Joe Root, attempting a quick single, was eliminated by the direct pitch from Roston Chase for 17 just before lunch.

When Ben Stokes, promoted to No. 4 and playing as a specialized hitter, was walked through the door by Roach by 20, England was 92-3 and his batting lineup suddenly looked thin.

Rory Burns (57) then made Chase slide, where the portly Cornwall took a brilliant, instinctive catch with one hand.

However, England responded well and moved into a strong position to win a series that is about 1-1.

The Windies, who won the first test at Southampton, are seeking to capture a series of tests in England for the first time since 1988.

Roach is 2-56 at 18.4 overs and needs one more wicket for 200 in testing.