Sport

Chase century not enough as England claim victory in third Test

West Indies batsman scores century to delay inevitable defeat in St Lucia

England bowler James Anderson celebrates the wicket of John Campbell of West Indies during day four of the third Test match in Saint Lucia. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Tue Feb 12 2019 - 21:11

England 277 (B Stokes 79, J Buttler 67; K Roach 4-48) & 361-5 dec (J Root 122, J Denly 69, J Buttler 56) v West Indies 154 (M Wood 5-41, M Ali 4-36) & 252 (R L Chase 102no). England beat West Indies by 232 runs.

Roston Chase made a century for West Indies but got little help from his fellow batsmen as England wrapped up a comprehensive 232-run victory in the third Test in St Lucia on Tuesday.

Number five batsman Chase scored an unbeaten 102 for his fifth Test ton, after England pace bowler James Anderson ripped through the home side’s top order with three quick wickets.

Although West Indies had already won the series with victories in the first two Tests, England’s win in the finale will provide a pick-me-up as they eye a home Ashes series against Australia starting in August. Before that, England will face Ireland in a historic four-day Test match at Lord’s in July.

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Chasing an unlikely target of 485 runs for victory on day four, West Indies made 252 in their second innings.

Chase brought up his century with his team already nine wickets down when he cut part-timer spinner Joe Denly for four.

He was aided by an entertaining 34 by tailender Alzarri Joseph, who slogged three sixes, but pickings were otherwise slim for the hosts, who crumbled again after scoring only 154 in their first knock.

West Indies’ top order had no answer to Anderson’s movement off the seam, with John Campbell (golden duck), Kraigg Brathwaite (eight) and Darren Bravo (duck), all caught in the slip-gully cordon.

Mark Wood, who picked up five wickets in the first innings, continued his outstanding match when he had Shai Hope (14) caught at cover off a leading edge just before lunch.

After that it was a matter of when, not if, England would win, and they wrapped things up with more than a day to spare. Anderson finished with 3-27, while Moeen Ali had 3-99.

Denly also did his part, delivering an excellent throw from the outfield to run out Shimron Hetmyer for 19.

Earlier, England captain Joe Root declared his team’s second innings immediately upon his dismissal for 122, with the visitors 361 for five. Ben Stokes was unbeaten on 48.

England batted for only 5.2 overs, adding a quick 36 runs to their overnight total.

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