JAMIE SMITH fell agonisingly short of a century after leading England's Great Edgbaston Escape.
The keeper was at the heart of a gritty fightback as Ben Stokes' men dragged themselves back from the brink.
The lower middle order added 322 runs for the final five wickets as the stuffing was well and truly knocked out of the Windies.
And two quick wickets in the final hour have left England with the scent of victory.
But all this looked a world away when a horrible halfhour on Friday night was followed by a similarly shoddy opening 30 minutes yesterday.
The early losses of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook left England 54-5 but Stokes (54) and Joe Root (87) set about repairing the damage and then Smith took over with a forthright, nononsense and powerful show.
He was given further support by Chris Woakes (62) as the Windies wilted.
Denne historien er fra July 28, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 28, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MADD ONE
Pep fumes as City lose fifth in a row
'Fergie time? It's different now... I have to be me'
SAYS RUBEN AMORIM
SLOT OF RESPECT
Arne joins City boss Pep in hailing Saints' Martin
IT'S ODE TO JOY FOR MIK'S GUNS
Fit-again Martin & Saka rule the show
QUICK SMART
Butch: Kiwis a test
Keep your Eds
FANS SHOULDN'T BOO OLD BOSS
You're licked! Worst doggy sock thieves
RETRIEVERS RATED CRIMINAL LEG-ENDS
THE KINKY WRINKLIES
Boomers' booty calls
Look at the size of those pigs in blankets Doreen!
NUDIST XMAS DINNER AT PUB
Cher: I saw Jesus face on curtains..
STAR BELIEVED IN ANGELS & SPIRITS
