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.
This story is from the July 28, 2024 edition of Daily Star Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 28, 2024 edition of Daily Star Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Porro's mindset clear
PEDRO PORRO has struggled to shake the shame that followed April's agonising North London derby defeat to Arsenal.
Ash bash!
MATTY ASHTON claimed his second hat-trick of the season as Warrington broke records.
Special Bru
JAN HAMMERS ST LEGER RIVALS
DEL BOY POSH GEEZER SHOCK
David mocked for Cockney 'clean-up'
Works put brakes on motorists
AVERAGE IS 23MPH
Space cadet singles love new date apps
LONELY IN TINDER TURN-OFF
BRITS IN DASH TO SEE KIM COUNTRY
DEMAND for holidays in North Korea is going through the roof.
TV'S BANG ON
Detectorists was right about buried treasure
Boffs: Wine is fine
GLASS WITH MEAL GOOD FOR HEART
Strictly Amy: So good to be back
DUO 'TELLY GOLD'
