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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Ali Martin at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium

Mahmood and Leach lead England recovery after West Indies’ fast start

Saqib Mahmood hits a four
Saqib Mahmood hits a four during his dogged performance to help England recover on the opening day. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters

After two turgid Test matches in Antigua and Barbados this series suddenly burst into life on the opening day of the decider in St George’s. A carnival took place off the field and a procession of wickets took place on it, until the unlikely pairing of Jack Leach and Saqib Mahmood changed the story completely.

At the close, as the band of steel drummers in the Junior Murray/Rawl Lewis Stand started to rest their weary wrists after three sessions of tropical rhythms, England had finally been bowled out for 204 when, with three balls remaining, Mahmood was castled by the part-time spin of Jermaine Blackwood one run short of a maiden half-century at any level.

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