Rain frustrates England on Day 3, brings relief for the West Indies

On day 3 of the second test, he was abandoned in Manchester without a ball being thrown. (Twitter / EnglandCricket)

Rain prevented any game on the third day of the second test between England and the West Indies in Manchester on Saturday. England, with a 1-0 record in the three-game series, now has only two days left to try to force a victory and have a chance to regain the Wisden Trophy.

“It is not ideal. It looks like we will have to take 19 wickets in two days,” Ben Stokes, an ATV from England, told Sky Sports after the day’s suspension.

“But wicket has offered something throughout the entire test so far, so we just need to make sure we can expose it. We know that once we get going, anything is possible with the bowling attack we have, ”he said.

For the West Indies, a faded day might have been what they needed right now. Prepared to defend the Wisden Trophy, even if they tie this match, as they won at home last year, the visitors must achieve a score of 270 to make sure they are not told to follow.

The West Indies will resume on Sunday morning at 4 at 32-1, with a response to England’s first 469-9 innings, with Kraigg Brathwaite 6 not out and nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph undefeated on 14.

The additional day also gives West Indies bowlers a chance to recharge. After playing two days in the first innings, Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph in particular were seen leaving the field for long injury time-outs. Gabriel also looked stiff while working.

While England can afford to go to James Anderson and Jofra Archer for the third Test, which will begin within four days of the second test, the West Indies may find their rhythm resources exhausted.

Happily for England, better weather is forecast for the last two days of the second test.

The West Indies won the first test in Southampton by four wickets.

The third and final match is also in Manchester.