OTD 2020 – Cricket resumes after COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, and sports suffered as well. Cricketing action was paused for 116 days worldwide. When things fell into place for a resumption, a lot changed. Many strict rules were implemented to prevent the recurrence and spread of the disease.

Bio-secure bubbles were introduced. Players and support staff were isolated in strictly monitored environments to prevent viral outbreaks. The ICC understood the physical toll of isolation and issued workload guidelines to prevent player injuries, mandating 8-12 weeks of training prior to Tests. In order to avoid transmission, the ICC decided to ban the use of saliva to shine the ball. Teams were allowed to replace players who showed COVID-19 symptoms during a match.

Coming to the first game on the resumption of cricket, it was the first Test between England and the West Indies at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. This game got underway on July 8 behind closed doors.

England won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the move backfired as they were bowled out for just 204. Skipper Ben Stokes top-scored with a 97-ball 43, while Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, and Dom Bess chipped in with handy contributions. Jason Holder bagged a six-for, while Shannon Gabriel supported him well with a four-wicket haul.

In reply, Kraigg Brathwaite set the foundation with a solid half-century at the top. Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase worked hard for their 39 and 47 runs, respectively, but couldn’t convert them into big knocks. Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich scored an important half-century down the order before the tourists were bowled out for 318, having taken a 114-run lead. Stokes starred with a four-wicket haul.
In their second innings, England batted better than they did in the first innings. Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley scored 50 and 76, respectively. Stokes and Rory Burns also contributed with handy knocks before the hosts were dismissed for 313. Gabriel scalped five wickets in this innings, while Chase and Alzarri Joseph picked up two apiece.

The West Indies needed 200 runs to chase in the fourth innings. They got off to a forgettable start, with John Campbell retiring hurt early. Three quick wickets fell as the West Indies were 27/3 and staring down the barrel. However, Chase and Jermaine Blackwood forged a brilliant 73-run stand to start a fightback for the Caribbean side. After Chase fell for 37, Dowrich added a crucial 68-run stand with Blackwood. The latter was eventually dismissed for 95 off just 154 balls. West Indies captain Jason Holder took his team to victory alongside Campbell in 64.2 overs with four wickets remaining. Jofra Archer’s three-for in the fourth innings went in vain. Gabriel, who wasn’t even picked in the original squad, was named Player of the Match. The West Indies, however, couldn’t build on this performance and lost the next two games to hand the series 2-1 to England.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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