Southampton: On the second day of the first Test being played in Southampton against the West Indies and England, the Caribbean team scored 57 runs after losing one wicket. Due to poor lighting, the second day’s play was declared prematurely, KC Brathwaite 20 and SD Hope 3 were present at the crease. Campbell was the only wicket fell of West Indies. Campbell was trapped by Anderson for 28 runs.
Earlier England were dismissed for 204 thanks to West Indies’ captain Jason Holder’s superb 6-42 on day two of the first Test at an empty Southampton.
Holder, who at one stage took 3-1 in 14 deliveries, was backed up by 4-62 from the pacy Shannon Gabriel.
On a pitch offering plenty for the bowlers, England’s batsmen showed obvious signs of rustiness in their first Test since the coronavirus lockdown.
Captain Ben Stokes was dropped twice in his 43, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler briefly impressed for 35, and it needed a last-wicket stand of 30 between Dom Bess, who made 31 not out, and James Anderson to carry England past 200.
England were then not at their best with the ball, with West Indies moving to 57-1, 147 behind.
On a grey, murky day, the floodlights were on throughout, and bad light forced the close with 26.3 overs still remaining.
The weather is forecast to improve on Friday, meaning the tourists could get the best batting conditions.
However, with the surface already showing signs of uneven bounce, they also face the disadvantage of having to bat last.
The circumstances in which this match is being played mean neither side have had ideal preparations – England’s training camp involved one internal practice match and West Indies’ two.
In conditions that should have suited England – cool, damp and the ball holding the upper hand over bat – West Indies had much the better day, displaying all the discipline, application and organisation that helped them take the series when these two sides met in the Caribbean 18 months ago.
They bowled a fuller length than England, then suffered only one setback in an evening session that could have posed a real danger to their batsmen.
West Indies’ intelligent use of the review system also helped them overturn five decisions during the day.