ENG vs WI: England's Record-Breaking Fastest Fifty in Test Cricket
England got off to a flying start in the second "Eng vs WI" at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The Caribbeans put them in to bat, and the hosts stuck to their well-known Bazball strategy. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope led England to achieve the fastest-ever team half-century in Test cricket, despite Zak Crawley's early departure.
England's Fastest Fifty in Test Cricket
The "ENG vs WI" match saw England's 4.2-over fifty become the fastest for a team in Test cricket. In the 1994 Oval Test against South Africa, the English team smashed a century in 4.3 overs, shattering their record. England also occupies the third spot with a fifty in 4.6 overs against Sri Lanka in 2002 in Manchester.
Fastest Team 50s in Test Cricket (Where Known):
- 4.2 - England vs WI, Nottingham, 2024
- 4.3 - England vs SA, The Oval, 1994
- 4.6 - England vs SL, Manchester, 2002
- 5.2 - Sri Lanka vs PAK, Karachi, 2004
- 5.3 - India vs ENG, Chennai, 2008
- 5.3 - India vs WI, Port of Spain, 2023
Team Changes and Player Highlights
Both sides named their teams before the toss. England recalled fast bowler Mark Wood after veteran seamer James Anderson retired from international duty with 704 Test wickets—a record for any pace bowler in the format—following the Lord's Test.
However, the West Indies, who had planned to be unchanged, had to make a late alteration when spinner Gudakesh Motie woke up with the flu on the morning of the game and had to drop out. It was a blow to the tourists, with Motie being the only one of their batters to pass 30 at Lord's, where he was also the West Indies' most impressive bowler. Spin-bowling all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, playing in his second Test of the season, took his position.
Key Performances
Despite Crawley’s early departure, Duckett and Pope's aggressive batting ensured a blazing start for England. Their partnership was key in setting the record for the fastest fifty in Test cricket.
Mark Wood's return bolstered England's bowling attack, promising a thrilling contest in the "ENG vs WI" series. Kevin Sinclair's inclusion for the West Indies added a new dynamic to their lineup, making the game even more exciting.
FAQs
1. What record did England break in the ENG vs WI match?
England recorded the fastest-ever team half-century in Test cricket, reaching fifty in just 4.2 overs.
2. Who were the key players in achieving the fastest fifty?
Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were instrumental in helping England reach the record-breaking fastest fifty.
3. Why was Gudakesh Motie replaced in the West Indies team?
Gudakesh Motie was replaced due to flu. Kevin Sinclair took his place.
4. Who returned to the England squad for this Test?
Mark Wood returned to the England squad after James Anderson's retirement.
5. How did the West Indies respond to the early setback?
The West Indies included spin-bowling all-rounder Kevin Sinclair to strengthen their lineup after Motie’s unavailability.
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