Shoaib Bashir grabbed a flurry of West Indian wickets following centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook which clinched England's series-winning 241-run triumph at Trent Bridge.
Root and Brook, the reigning leaders in England's batting lineup and their successor, chalked up substantial scores to set a course for victory on the fourth evening of this second Test match.
With an improbable target of 385, West Indies were decimated for only 143 in just 36 overs as rookie spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed five wickets for a mere 41 runs on his debut bowling assignment at Test level.
The 20-year-old, who hadn't bowled any deliveries during the first Test match in London, justified England's decision to select him over Jack Leach this summer as he took up the role of a fourth-innings finisher.
Bashir delivered with subtlety and finesse, skillfully employing dip and drift that resulted in his third five-wicket haul within five appearances for his country.
This performance marked England's first home Test since December 2022 without the services of Stuart Broad or James Anderson at Lord’s. The English bowling attack struck with precision as they orchestrated a dramatic downfall from West Indies, who were left 61 runs behind without any wickets lost.
Chris Woakes initiated the play by dismissing both openers, while Mark Wood added some raw pace and Gus Atkinson picked up two wickets. However, Shoaib Bashir was on target to deliver a crushing blow as he bowled Shamar Joseph out, earning applause from the Nottingham crowd.
England now stand 2-0 in this series with one match remaining at Edgbaston next week, securing their first victory since December 2022.
At the beginning of play, England had a comfortable lead of 207 runs and seven wickets. Harry Brook and Joe Root didn't waste the opportunity as they racked up scores of 109 and 122 respectively while batting for their team.
Harry Brook stretched his partnership with Joe Root to reach an impressive 189 runs, having been more aggressive during this third day compared to earlier in the match. He reached a milestone by scoring his fifth Test hundred before playing on.
Joe Root built up his score steadily and hit just seven boundaries, but he demonstrated exceptional skill with an elegant reverse sweep shot for his 300th run at Test level. Currently ranking eighth in all-time Test run scores, Joe Root is only twelve runs away from surpassing Brian Lara's record of 12,000 and seven runs shy of the legendary Sir Alastair Cook's English record of 33 centuries.
Harry Brook was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir in a manner reminiscent of an artful stroke when he edged to slip after his off-stump turned sharply from round the wicket. Jamie Smith, England’s new wicketkeeper, then claimed another catch with his best performance yet.
Bashir's third delivery caught Kavem Hodge by surprise as it drifted into his crease and found the edge to slip. The off-spinner continued on target with an impressive dismissal of Alick Athanaze, who was out for a low catch in front of square leg after Bashir pitched in from round the wicket.
The young spinner's final act involved bowling Joshua Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph well outside off stump before finishing with a masterstroke against Kevin Sinclair. Wood ended his innings by taking out a spectacular catch at slip, while Atkinson also contributed to England's victory in the match.
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