West Indies stand tall against English bowlers

The West Indies mounted a brilliant fight back on day two of the second Test in Nottingham on Friday, making 351/5 in response to England’s 416 all out on the opening day.

Kavem Hodge was the star of the show, with the middle order batsman racking up 120 runs from 171 balls to anchor the West Indian innings.

Hodge received support from emerging talent Alick Athanaze as well, with the 25-year-old adding 82 runs.

The pair’s efforts have drastically improved their side’s chances of winning the second Test at Trent Bridge.

Cricket bookmakers have slashed the West Indies’ odds from $17.00 at the end of play on Thursday, to $4.00 after two days’ play.

Hodge and Athanaze combine for best partnership of series

The 175 runs scored by Hodge and Athanaze was a breath of fresh air for the West Indies, after being beaten in less than three days in the opening Test.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Hodge after making his maiden Test century.

“You play the game from a youngster growing up that’s something that you want to do, especially at the highest level, in England against England.

“I’m really happy and satisfied about it, especially also the position of the team, it’s always good to help the team’s cause.”

While Athanaze had shared ahead of the match that he would “really love a Test hundred”, the middle order batsman still made a career-best score.

Advantage England in Nottingham

It may seem as though this Test is hanging in the balance now, with the West Indies just 65 runs behind and five wickets still in hand.

But top sports bookmakers disagree.

Bookies still put England as heavy favourites to win the match at $1.53, with a draw no bet increasing their odds to $1.30.

“I think you’ve got to go through different experiences, different periods of play,” Paul Collingwood said after the match, England’s assistant coach.

“We didn’t expect to blow them away again, we knew they’d fight back.”

Given England’s batting firepower and aggressiveness tendencies, the West Indian batsmen will need to press on even further on day three for bookmakers’ odds to move in their favour.

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