Windies edge ahead

SOUTHAMPTON, July 10

West Indies opened up a 31-run lead over England, with five first innings wickets in hand, as they reached 235/5 at tea on the third day of the first Test today.

A 49-run partnership between Roston Chase (27) and Shane Dowrich (30) saw West Indies past England’s total after they had lost two wickets following lunch. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s 65 laid the foundations for West Indies. England were bowled out for 204 yesterday.

The Test is the first international cricket match after a 117-day absence because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

England bowlers using ‘back sweat’ to shine ball

Not allowed to use saliva on the ball, England bowlers have resorted to applying back sweat to shine the ball.

“Back sweat has been the major thing at the moment with saliva going out the window,” England pacer Mark Wood said. “Only your own, although we’re mingling the back sweat a little on the ball, I’ve got some of Jimmy (Anderson’s) and Jofra (Archer’s).” — Agencies