Joking about Ben Stokes’ absence from the pitch while England thrashes the West Indies, Ollie Pope says, “I was keen to keep him out a little longer then.”

Following the match, Ollie Pope, the vice-captain of England, made light of the fact that England managed to gain some wickets by removing Ben Stokes from the field for a spell.

The ongoing series between West Indies and England ended with the second Test. Following a commanding victory in the first Test, England produced another outstanding performance to defeat the West Indies by 241 runs for their second consecutive victory.

To win the game, the West Indies had to chase a goal of 385 runs in the second innings. Nonetheless, England’s bowling attack ensured that the guests were dismissed for 143 runs.

Pope produced a stunning century of 121 (167) to lead England in the first innings. He then added 51 in the second, and he expressed his satisfaction with keeping Stokes off the pitch as long as England was picking up wickets.

Stokes sneaked off, and we managed to get up a few wickets. Then, I was eager to keep him out a little while longer. (On shifting conditions) We witnessed that last night; Brook and Root performed admirably in the evening, even though it nipped a little. And then they returned to attacking this morning. In Test matches, that’s how it works; we have to take advantage of the circumstances. Feel extremely happy about where I am right now with my game,” Pope stated during the post-game press conference.

Shoaib Bashir rules to give England the victory

With the intention of chasing the target, the Windies headed out to bat, but England’s bowling assault was outstanding. Mikyle Louis got out after 17 runs while Kraigg Brathwaite was removed from the game after 47 runs. Joshua Da Silva added 14 runs to Jason Holder’s 37 runs scored. The remainder of the batting attack, though, was not very successful.

Also Read: Following Root’s tonne, England set up West Indies 385 to win

With five wickets in the second innings, England’s Shoaib Bashir was the highest wicket scorer. England won the match by 241 runs thanks to two wickets apiece from Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson and one wicket from Mark Wood.