England eye victory

Manchester, July 20

Ben Stokes removed Jermaine Blackwood off the final ball before tea to leave the West Indies on 137/5 and ignite England’s chances of winning the second Test on the final day at Old Trafford today.

Blackwood (55) gloved an attempted shot around the corner and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler scrambled to take a diving catch, ending a 100-run partnership with Shamarh Brooks that was giving the West Indies hope of salvaging a draw. Brooks is unbeaten on 52.

England have a minimum of 41.2 overs to take the final five wickets for a victory that would tie the series at 1-1 ahead of the third and final Test starting on Friday, also in Manchester.

If the West Indies hold on for a draw, it will retain the Wisden Trophy having beaten England in a home series last year. — AP