Ben Stokes impressed with both bat and ball as England beat the West Indies by 113 runs in the second Test at Old Trafford on Monday.

West Indies, set a nominal 312 to win, were bowled out for 198 on the fifth and final day as England levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

All-rounder Stokes made 176 in England's first-innings 469-9 declared and a dashing 78 not out on Monday that set up another declaration by home captain Joe Root.

Stokes capped a dominant individual display as he also took two key wickets Monday after Stuart Broad's early treble helped reduce the West Indies to 37-4.

Shamarh Brooks (62) and Jermaine Blackwood (55) kept England at bay during a fifth-wicket stand of exactly 100.

But Stokes, yet again proved a partnership breaker when his short ball had Blackwood, who made a match-clinching 95 in West Indies' four-wicket win in the first Test at Southampton, gloving to diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on the stroke of tea.

From then on, it always looked likely England would finish the job, despite having no spectators to roar them on in this behind-closed-doors campaign.

"It was a brilliant week's cricket from the outset," Root told Sky Sports. "Going on and making a 400-plus score for the third time in four games, we're making real progress."

<h2>- 'Stokes getting better and better' -</h2>

As for Stokes's man-of-the-match effort, Root said it "doesn't surprise me".

"He seems to want to keep getting better and better and we're seeing those results out on the field."

Stokes played down his contribution, telling the BBC: "Everyone has put their hands up and contributed to a great win."

England's plans for this match were thrown into disarray when fast bowler Jofra Archer had to be omitted for breaching the bio-secure rules governing a series that marks international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown.

But such was England's dominance they still won despite the whole of Saturday's third day being washed out.

Recalled paceman Broad, angry at being rested from the series opener, struck just five balls into the West Indies second innings Monday when he had John Campbell caught behind.

Broad finished with 3-42 having rocked the West Indies in their first innings with a burst of three wickets in 14 balls.

"I'm a little disappointed with the way we batted," said West Indies captain Jason Holder.

Chris Woakes then had West Indies dangerman Kraigg Brathwaite lbw and Broad clipped the top of Shai Hope's off stump.

Brooks' fine innings ended when he was plumb lbw to left-arm quick Sam Curran.

There was a worrying moment for England when Stokes could not complete his 15th over but afterwards he said: "There's absolutely nothing to worry about."

England spinner Dom Bess got in on the act at the finish.

Two balls after Holder drove him for six, Bess bowled the all-rounder between bat and pad with a classic off-break.

Bess ended the match when Kemar Roach was brilliantly caught by Ollie Pope at short leg.

Earlier, Stokes, promoted to open in a quest for quick runs, took England to 129-3 declared in their second innings.

Having batted cautiously before upping the tempo in his first-innings century, Stokes produced another brilliantly judged batting display as England scored 92 runs in 11 overs on Monday.

Stokes should have been out for 29 when he slogged Shannon Gabriel to deep extra cover only for Campbell to drop a routine catch.

Stokes, England's captain in Root's absence for the first Test, went to fifty with a six off Gabriel that cleared the towering Holder at long-off.

The series finale, also at Old Trafford, starts on Friday, with Holder insisting: "It's all to play for.

"This is the perfect return to cricket."

Ben Stokes impressed with both bat and ball as England beat the West Indies by 113 runs in the second Test at Old Trafford on Monday. West Indies, set a nominal 312 to win, were bowled out for 198 on the fifth and final day as England levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

Ben Stokes impressed with both bat and ball as England beat the West Indies by 113 runs in the second Test at Old Trafford on Monday. West Indies, set a nominal 312 to win, were bowled out for 198 on the fifth and final day as England levelled the three-match series at 1-1. All-rounder Stokes made 176 in England's first-innings 469-9 declared and a dashing 78 not out on Monday that set up another declaration by home captain Joe Root. Stokes capped a dominant individual display as he also took two key wickets Monday after Stuart Broad's early treble helped reduce the West Indies to 37-4. Shamarh Brooks (62) and Jermaine Blackwood (55) kept England at bay during a fifth-wicket stand of exactly 100. But Stokes, yet again proved a partnership breaker when his short ball had Blackwood, who made a match-clinching 95 in West Indies' four-wicket win in the first Test at Southampton, gloving to diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler on the stroke of tea. From then on, it always looked likely England would finish the job, despite having no spectators to roar them on in this behind-closed-doors campaign. "It was a brilliant week's cricket from the outset," Root told Sky Sports. "Going on and making a 400-plus score for the third time in four games, we're making real progress." - 'Stokes getting better and better' - As for Stokes's man-of-the-match effort, Root said it "doesn't surprise me". "He seems to want to keep getting better and better and we're seeing those results out on the field." Stokes played down his contribution, telling the BBC: "Everyone has put their hands up and contributed to a great win." England's plans for this match were thrown into disarray when fast bowler Jofra Archer had to be omitted for breaching the bio-secure rules governing a series that marks international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown. But such was England's dominance they still won despite the whole of Saturday's third day being washed out. Recalled paceman Broad, angry at being rested from the series opener, struck just five balls into the West Indies second innings Monday when he had John Campbell caught behind. Broad finished with 3-42 having rocked the West Indies in their first innings with a burst of three wickets in 14 balls. "I'm a little disappointed with the way we batted," said West Indies captain Jason Holder. Chris Woakes then had West Indies dangerman Kraigg Brathwaite lbw and Broad clipped the top of Shai Hope's off stump. Brooks' fine innings ended when he was plumb lbw to left-arm quick Sam Curran. There was a worrying moment for England when Stokes could not complete his 15th over but afterwards he said: "There's absolutely nothing to worry about." England spinner Dom Bess got in on the act at the finish. Two balls after Holder drove him for six, Bess bowled the all-rounder between bat and pad with a classic off-break. Bess ended the match when Kemar Roach was brilliantly caught by Ollie Pope at short leg. Earlier, Stokes, promoted to open in a quest for quick runs, took England to 129-3 declared in their second innings. Having batted cautiously before upping the tempo in his first-innings century, Stokes produced another brilliantly judged batting display as England scored 92 runs in 11 overs on Monday. Stokes should have been out for 29 when he slogged Shannon Gabriel to deep extra cover only for Campbell to drop a routine catch. Stokes, England's captain in Root's absence for the first Test, went to fifty with a six off Gabriel that cleared the towering Holder at long-off. The series finale, also at Old Trafford, starts on Friday, with Holder insisting: "It's all to play for. "This is the perfect return to cricket."

Stokes stars as England level West Indies series

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown.

They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68.

But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager.

England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child.

Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy.

The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley.

It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain.

"After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination."

<h2>- 'Get on top of Ben' -</h2>

Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23.

A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators.

Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill.

Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory.

"Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons.

"Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be.

"I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday. Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown. They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68. But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager. England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child. Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy. The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley. It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain. "After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination." - 'Get on top of Ben' - Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23. A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators. Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill. Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory. "Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons. "Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be. "I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front

England captain Joe Root would be missing the first Test match against West Indies in July if it clashes with the birth of his child. However, Root has given his full backing to vice-captain Ben Stokes, who would be taking over the charge if the right-handed batsman is absent from the inaugural Test of the three-match Test series against the Men from the Caribbean.

The Test series between England and West Indies is set to commence from July 8 in Southampton, subject to government approval.&nbsp; 
Root’s wife Carrie is due to give birth to their second child early in July and the English Test captain confirmed that he is in talks with the board about whether he would be able to leave the on-site hotel and then return to the bio-secure venue.

“The due date complicates things slightly. In terms of the bubble and the pregnancy, it’s always an evolving thing,” Root told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-name-test-squad-for-england-tour-3-players-sit-out-over-covid-19-fears-302964" hreflang="en">West Indies name Test squad for England tour; 3 players sit out over COVID-19 fears</a>

“It’s being discussed with the medical team and we’re always trying to stay updated with it. How it will finally look I’m not exactly sure right now.

“It will have to come down to government guidelines and we have to make sure we follow those protocols and do whatever is right by that.”

Root backed ICC Player of the Year – Ben Stokes – to make a “fantastic” captain in his absence as the all-rounder leads by example.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-cricket-says-3-former-players-in-icc-graft-probe-303012" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka Cricket says 3 former players in ICC graft probe</a>

“One of his great qualities as vice-captain is the example he sets -- the way he goes about his training, how he wants the ball in difficult circumstances, the way he stands up in difficult scenarios with the bat,” Root added.

<h2>England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule</h2>

• 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford

• 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

“He drags people with him, gets the best out of players around him and gives the whole team a lift. People will always follow him, look up to him and want to play for him whether he is captain or not.

“Those are great qualities to have as leader and something he could definitely take into captaincy. I love having him as vice-captain and could see him doing a very good job as captain.”

England captain Joe Root would be missing the first Test match against West Indies in July if it clashes with the birth of his child. However, Root has given his full backing to vice-captain Ben Stokes, who would be taking over the charge if the right-handed batsman is absent from the inaugural Test of the three-match Test series against the Men from the Caribbean.

England captain Joe Root would be missing the first Test match against West Indies in July if it clashes with the birth of his child. However, Root has given his full backing to vice-captain Ben Stokes, who would be taking over the charge if the right-handed batsman is absent from the inaugural Test of the three-match Test series against the Men from the Caribbean. The Test series between England and West Indies is set to commence from July 8 in Southampton, subject to government approval. Root’s wife Carrie is due to give birth to their second child early in July and the English Test captain confirmed that he is in talks with the board about whether he would be able to leave the on-site hotel and then return to the bio-secure venue. “The due date complicates things slightly. In terms of the bubble and the pregnancy, it’s always an evolving thing,” Root told reporters. ALSO READ: West Indies name Test squad for England tour; 3 players sit out over COVID-19 fears “It’s being discussed with the medical team and we’re always trying to stay updated with it. How it will finally look I’m not exactly sure right now. “It will have to come down to government guidelines and we have to make sure we follow those protocols and do whatever is right by that.” Root backed ICC Player of the Year – Ben Stokes – to make a “fantastic” captain in his absence as the all-rounder leads by example. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Cricket says 3 former players in ICC graft probe “One of his great qualities as vice-captain is the example he sets -- the way he goes about his training, how he wants the ball in difficult circumstances, the way he stands up in difficult scenarios with the bat,” Root added. England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule • 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl • 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford • 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford “He drags people with him, gets the best out of players around him and gives the whole team a lift. People will always follow him, look up to him and want to play for him whether he is captain or not. “Those are great qualities to have as leader and something he could definitely take into captaincy. I love having him as vice-captain and could see him doing a very good job as captain.”

England skipper Joe Root could miss Southampton Test against West Indies, backs 'fantastic' Ben Stokes to lead