Chris Woakes defends England’s tactics against West Indies tail on day three of the second Test

England all-rounder Chris Woakes defended his team’s approach against West Indies on the third day of the ongoing second Test at Trent Bridge, saying they opened up the field to corner No. 11 Shamar Joseph while Joshua Da Silva was at full speed at the other end.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticised his team for their defensive approach in the match and felt that the home team gave West Indies a “huge chance” when they built a 41-run lead after scoring 457 runs in the first innings. Kavem Hodge made 120 runs while Da Silva remained unbeaten on 82 runs, including 10 fours and three sixes. He also formed a crucial partnership with Joseph for 71 runs for the last wicket.

On the third day of the Test, the hosts got off to a strong start thanks to a three-wicket haul (total of 4 for 84) from Woakes in a 10-over session that saw the visitors 386 for 9 and still trailing by 30 runs. In the end, Mark Wood dismissed Joseph for 33 to end the partnership and finish the Windies’ innings on 457/10.

“This is a phase that can cause problems. You just have to stick to the plan you have in place. It’s not always going to be perfect,” said Woakes after the day’s play. “When the field goes out, it’s easy as a bowler to think that you’re not trying to get the set batsman out, you’re just thinking about number 11. At the same time, you don’t want to give away easy boundaries.

“You don’t always expect the number 11 to kick a few goals into the stands. Fair play to them, they did pretty well. We persisted long enough and were finally rewarded,” he added.

Da Silva, who missed his second Test century by 18 runs, said England’s plan gave him more of an advantage. “I’m not really sure what their plan was. For me, it worked. Whatever happens in the morning will determine the rest of the Test.”

However, Woakes believed that England would look to extend their lead to 300 and extend the existing partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook on the fourth day of play. England were 248/3 on Saturday and had a lead of 207 runs in their favour.

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“I never like to say we are ahead in a Test because half an hour can go against us and we are behind again,” said Woakes. “The fourth morning will be huge. If that partnership stretches to 150 or 200 then we take the game away. If West Indies take quick wickets then they will feel ahead again.

“We have to step up again on Sunday to take the game away from West Indies. Obviously we want to score as many runs as possible and there are still two days to play. On the fifth day, when the pitch might be a little worn, we want to bowl as much as we can against them. Sunday is a big day for us to extend the lead to 250 and 300 and hopefully we can go really far,” he added.

“I never like to say we are ahead in a Test because half an hour can go against us and we are behind again,” said Woakes. “The fourth morning will be huge. If that partnership stretches to 150 or 200 then we take the game away. If West Indies take quick wickets then they will feel ahead again.

“We have to step up again on Sunday to take the game away from West Indies. Obviously we want to score as many runs as possible and there are still two days to play. On the fifth day, when the pitch might be a little worn, we want to bowl as much as we can against them. Sunday is a big day for us to extend the lead to 250 and 300 and hopefully we can go really far,” he added.