Windies humble England

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (AP):

The West Indies won their first Test cricket series against England in 10 years after steamrolling the second Test in three days yesterday.

England were routed for 132 in their second innings, and the West Indies knocked off the 14 runs needed for a 10-wicket victory on a dramatic day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The Test series was clinched 2-0 with a match to spare.

The West Indies completed their first innings only in the morning, Darren Bravo was the last man out after facing 215 balls for 50, but he helped his side to a 119-run lead on a dodgy pitch.

England, after making 187 in their first innings, needed to show some grit, but the Englishmen attacked instead of digging in and were routed for 132, leaving the West Indies needing 14 runs for the victory.

John Campbell cracked a six over midwicket off James Anderson for the winning runs, and he and fellow opener Kraigg Brathwaite joined their team in a lap of honour.

Bravo had already met 165 balls and made only 33 when play resumed on Saturday.

But with help from captain Jason Holder (18), and tailenders Kemar Roach (6), Alzarri Joseph (7), and Shannon Gabriel (one not out), Bravo reached his 17th Test half-century before he was stumped.

Joseph’s commitment to the cause was also noted. His mother, Sharon Joseph, died yesterday before play began. He took two for 12 off seven overs, including the prize of England captain Joe Root for the second time in the match. He also took a catch in the field.

“Alzarri’s mum passed away, so we rallied around each other. We wanted to do it for her,” Holder said. “For Alzarri to be involved, credit to him and his family.”

Holder added: “[My emotions] are difficult to describe now …”.

“I think we’re hungry. We’re hungry for success. This group has been together for the last year and a half to two years, and we’ve been doing some exceptional things.

“Credit to the boys for sticking to the task. I think it is something we really wanted, and, obviously, the way we ended last year was a bit daunting as well, and everybody wanted to turn things around.”

England were OK until opener Rory Burns was out to Holder for 16 on 35 for one. Then the wickets came regularly, four of them bowled, and two to leg before wicket as fast bowlers Holder (4-43) and Roach (4-52) held their lines and lengths. Roach was named man of the match for his eight wickets in total.

Jos Buttler top-scored with 24.

“I thought as a bowling group we’ve performed well, but the batting hasn’t been up to it,” Root said.

The third and final Test starts next Saturday in Saint Lucia.

“Alzarri’s mum passed away, so we rallied around each other, we wanted to do it for her,” Holder said. “For Alzarri to be involved, credit to him and his family.”