Twitter Reactions: Nkrumah Bonner, Jason Holder's resillient show defies England a victory in Antigua Test

The Three Lions bounced back from behind and were evidentially keen to cross the line.

By Gaurav Tripathi

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Nkrumah Bonner
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Nkrumah Bonner. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

On expected lines, the opening Test between West Indies and England ended in a draw but not before some exciting battle over the 22 yards. The Three Lions, after earning a 64-run deficit in the first innings, bounced back from behind and were evidentially keen to cross the line. However, the likes of Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder showcased remarkable resilience to avoid a defeat for West Indies.

Speaking of how the final day of the Antigua Test panned out, England resumed their overnight score of 217/1 with centurion Zak Crawley and Joe Root starting the proceedings with the bat. While the former could add only four to his overnight score and perished for 117, Root brought up his 24th ton in Test cricket.

Joe Root brought up yet another Test century

In order to give the hosts a substantial target, the English batters up the ante and went for quick scoring. The likes of Dan Lawrence, Jonny Bairstow and Chris Woakes played handy cameos as England declared at 349/6, giving West Indies a target of 286 runs. The chase was never on with the required run rate being over four runs per over. Moreover, the track at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua was constantly deteriorating.

As a result, West Indies batters came out with an aim of putting up a blockathon.  The approach certainly worked as openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell survived more than 25 overs  and added 59 runs. However, left-arm spinner Jack Leach inflicted a major damage as the hosts lost four wickets inside 10 runs.

This collapse ignited hopes in England camp but Bonner and Holder eventually ruined their party. Having scored a brilliant 123 in West Indies first innings, Bonner showcased his rock-solid defence and got ample support from the star all-rounder. Besides blocking precisely, the duo also played some delightful shots whenever the opportunity was presented. While Bonner survived 138 deliveries to score 38, Holder made 37 off 101.

As a result, the thrilling game ended in a draw. Bonner was adjudged the Player of the Match for making his bat talk throughout the contest. Meanwhile, the second of the three Tests will get underway on Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitter reacted to the thrilling draw: 

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