England’s Mark Wood delivered a brilliant bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 21 balls, sealing a 3-0 Test series win against the West Indies. Captain Ben Stokes praised Wood’s efforts, saying his hard work throughout the series finally paid off.
Mark Wood missed the first Test but made an impact in the second with his fast bowling, although he only took two wickets. In the third Test at Edgbaston, his six-over spell after lunch changed the game. He took the last five West Indies wickets quickly, finishing with figures of 5 for 40 in 14 overs, adding to his earlier 2 for 52.
England needed only 82 runs to win in their second innings. Stokes scored an unbeaten 57 off 28 balls, and Ben Duckett added 25 off 16, achieving victory in just 7.2 overs for a 10-wicket win.
Stokes praised Mark Wood , saying, “The effort he puts in when playing for England is incredible. He has the heart of a lion and really turned the game in our favor. I’m extremely happy for him.”
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Mark Wood admitted feeling relieved with his performance. “I was frustrated at lunchtime, but focused on my skills. The first wicket gave me confidence, and I went from there. My role is to bowl fast, and I hope to keep doing that.”
Stokes emphasized Wood’s importance to the team, noting that his fast bowling puts pressure on the opposing batsmen, even if he doesn’t always get the wickets.
Stokes also celebrated the performances of newcomers Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith. Atkinson took 22 wickets at an average of 16.22 in the series, including 12 in his debut game. Smith scored 95 crucial runs in Birmingham, helping England recover from a difficult position.
Stokes highlighted England’s refined approach under coach Brendan McCullum, saying the team has learned to play smart and adapt to different situations.
Unfortunately, Zak Crawley suffered a fractured finger, with his long-term status uncertain. Stokes stepped in to open and scored the fastest fifty by an England Test batter.
Overall, England’s win demonstrated the team’s growth and resilience.