Men in the Mask

Men in the Mask 

Smog in the air distracts Kohli and India 

On day two of the third test between India and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan team were unhappy with the weather conditions at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, Delhi. 

Right-arm pacer Lahiru Gamage seemed to be struggling with the atmospheric conditions on the field.  It was smog. This is a type of air pollutant which can also be described as smoky fog.  

Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal made a complaint to the umpires about the smog effecting the health of his players. 

This meant there was a halt in play of up to 20 minutes. India skipper Virat Kohli and team director Ravi Shastri were quite annoyed with the match officials as the team were in a dominant position and felt that the Sri Lankan's were deliberately trying to disturb their progress.   

The host were 519-5 and Kohli was on 243 not out and wanted to resume his innings but unfortunately he was distracted by the delay and was out LBW on the next ball.

Umpires Nigel Long and Joel Wilson were forced to call upon match referee David Boon for his expertise in match officiating. Boon assessed the situation with Kohli, Shastri, Sri Lanka coach Nic Pothas and the two on-field umpires and eventually resumed playing. 

The Sri Lankans then decided to put on earloop face masks to prevent them from breathing in the smog. This was an unexpected and amusing moment of the game as there has never been a situation like this before in the history of professional cricket.   

However, it wasn't long until the Sri Lankans yet again started complaining about the situation. Kohli then made a smart move by choosing to declare with the hosts on 536 for 7. India then made early inroads in to the Sri Lankan innings with Mohammad Shami dismissing opener Dimuth Karunaratne who was caught behind by Wriddhiman Saha from the bowling of Mohammad Shami.

It wasn't long before the Indians picked up their second wicket where this time Dhananjaya de Silva was out LBW by fellow pacer Ishant Sharma. 

Both of India's new ball bowlers were on fire and should have had a third when Dilruwan Perera was put down by Shikhar Dhawan at second slip. 

India's slip catching woes continued when this time Angelo Matthews was dropped by Kohli at second slip. 

There was then a partnership of 61 between Perera and Matthews before Perera was trapped LBW by Ravindra Jadeja via the DRS system with the score on 75 for 3. 

it wasn't long before Matthews reached a half century by hitting a six down the ground from the bowling of Ravichandran Ashwin followed by another six in the same over through mid-on.

The tourists finished day 2 on 131 for 3 but there is no doubt what so ever that the main verdict of the day will be about the Sri Lankans and the smog. 

Amar studio track

This is my sports news bulletin podcast which was recorded in the studio at LCC.
https://soundcloud.com/user-929213544/amar-voicer

Charlton FC Matchday audio pack

CHALTON FC 

Charlton beat MK Dons by 3 goals to 2, Here is the pre and post match reaction on the game.
https://soundcloud.com/user-929213544/charltonamar-mixdown

Golf Club Interview

Interview with Michael Taylor

Who says only professionals can play golf? Anyone can. listen to Michael the Pro at Shirley Park Golf Club to find out more.  

https://soundcloud.com/user-929213544/golf-club-edited-version-01

Football Tonight

Football Tonight 25/09/17

Saturday's episode of 'Football Tonight' was intriguing to watch as you had three of the most gifted Premier League English players from the early 21st century in Frank Lampard, Steven Gerard and Rio Ferdinand. 

The subject of tonight's debate was about footballers and their pre-match routines, what they do and why they do it?

The point in which Lampard made about sticking to the same routine when he was playing well is such a valid point,  I can't understand why nowadays some footballers decide to do different things everyday like play FIFA on the XBOX or PS3 after one game and then just decide to go to the gym at the last minute.

The part where Ferdinand speaks about players from the same country are not as interested as playing for their club is intriguing and sums up where English football is at this point in time.

When the England trio speak about England's lack of success during there career, the main issue that was pointed out by Gerrard was that none of the players felt like they were not playing as a team and were  'very individual' as in they didn't feel part of a team who played a 'certain way under a certain manger'. This quote sums up one of the main issues involving senior international football in England.

I like the way in which they show the questions in which people have tweeted in to ask the experts as it makes it clear to understand the subject of debate.

It's also good to see that all three players still want to be part of the game even though their career is finished because it emphasises their desire and passion for football.

The subject on playing for your club rather than country is another factor of why England weren't as successful in major tournaments post the 1966 World Cup, especially when these three were in the squad. It was club rivalry which created a barrier in which effected the communication and relationship between the players.

This sums up the problem with English football, it's the lack of willingness to play for the country rather than your club. Let's imagine Gareth Southgate selecting an England squad of Manchester United and Liverpool players. These two clubs have been rivals for many years and that's to do with wanting to be the most dominant and successful team in England, particularly in the north west. and sometimes having that sort of rivalry can have a bit of a negative influence on each player as well as the team, so it's to do with club pride rather than country.

Charlton Athletic vs Mk Dons

The Valley Visit

On 18th November I attended a live match at The Valley between Charlton Athletic and Milton Keynes Dons. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon with a crowed attendance of 10557. 

The match was entertaining and ended in a 2-2 draw. The hosts opened the in scoring in the sixth minute through striker Josh Magennis whose header flew into the top left corner via a corner kick from Jake Forster-Caskey.

The Addicks were the dominant side in the first half and almost doubled their lead when  Forster-Caskey's  strike came back off the inside of the post. 

Right winger Mark Marshall had a glorious chance to put the hosts 2-0 up, but MK Dons keeper Lee Nicholls stood strong and kept the Dons in the game.

In the 63rd minute, the Dons were back in the game thanks to a header from substitute Kieran Agard who came on for Ryan Seager, the 28-year old netted in his 14th goal of the season. 

This goal certainly fired up Robbie Neilson's side and boosted their confidence heading into the last third of the game.

In the dying moments of the game, the Dons were awarded a penalty when midfielder Peter Pawlett was brought down inside the box.

Seeking his second of the game, Agard stepped up to take the spot kick and sent keeper Ben Amos the wrong way firing the ball into the top right corner of the net. to rescue a point for the Dons.

Following the match was the manager's press conference and Charlton Athletic boss Karl Robinson was disgruntled by the referee's decision to award a spot kick to the Dons.

'The referee cost us the game. He had a better angle than the assistant referee to give the penalty and didn't give it.That was the softest decision he gave all day.'

Joshua vs Breazeale text commentary

Anthony Joshua vs Dominic Breazeale     

The atmosphere inside the O2 Arena is action packed with the song 'California Love' in the background as we get ready for this IBF Heavyweight title match between defending champion Anthony Joshua and USA's Dominic Breazeale.

Bell rings and we're ready to go. 

Round 1

Joshua throws left hook but misses Breazeale by a whisker.

Joshua throws a jab at Breazeale and hits him on the face to gain a point.

Brezeale looking vulnerable as Joshua starts to take control.

Brezeale gets another jab to the face.

Joshua attempts a 1-2  but Breazeale stands strong and blocks it.

Joshua goes for a jab and hook

Round 2

Joshua off to a quick start with a couple of jabs and hooks at Breazeale.

Joshua attempts another hook but misses.

Joshua throws jab at Breazeale.

Breazeale almost loses balance.

Joshua takes control and uses 1-2 punch on Breazeale.

Joshua is looking hungry now, I fear for Breazeale.

Round 3

Joshua starting to take control throwing a few jabs, but Breazeale throws a punch back.

Joshua staying patient by picking his shots.

Breazeale doing everything he can to stay in the fight.

Breazeale attempting a comeback and starts off with a left hook on Joshua's face.

Joshua throws another punch at Breazeale.

Round 4

Joshua in driving seat, but history shows that the fourth round is a stumbling block for him, will it prove to be so today?  

Doesn't look like it. Another jab from Joshua but Breazeale throws back a hook.

Breazeale showing stubborn resistance despite Joshua's dominance.

Breazeale seams to be behind Joshua in terms of picking his moves, he is struggling to keep up with the speed of Joshua's movements.  

Round 5

Joshua throws a punch at Breazeale's face.

Joshua begins to take control.

Another hook by Joshua on Breazeale. Breazeale looking a touch weary.

Round 6 

Joshua in the driving . seat with three punches.

Joshua goes for another jab to the face.

Another three jabs by Joshua on Breazeale.

Round 7

Another three jabs by Joshua on Breazeale's face.

Breazeale lands a jab on Joshua's face.

Breazeale beginning to raise is his game but hear comes another jab and hook by Joshua.

Joshua lands another hook and a three jabs on Breaseale.

Breazeale down. Joshua wins the match 

Joshua has his 17th KO in a row and defends IBF Heavyweight title. 

Rugby Tonight

BT Sport- Rugby Tonight

I attended a live show called 'Rugby Tonight'. This is a live show which gives you a round up of the latest news and gossip on rugby in the UK. The atmosphere inside the studio was fun like, everybody was enjoying themselves by getting involved with the show. 

The show had one guest Andy Gomarsall and two pundits Ben Kay and Ugo Monye. I thought they spoke well and had a great understanding of the sport as ex-players. 

I don't have a great interest in rugby, but for me the show was quite entertaining. It reminded me of another live sporting show I used to watch every Saturday morning called Soccer AM where they also have guests such as ex-footballers and present footballers. 

I also acknowledged the fact that most of the audience were in rugby kit which again symbolises their passion as fans of the sport. 

The thing I enjoyed the most was Gomarsall having ago at the tackle bag because it looked fun and really jeered up the crowd which created an intriguing atmosphere.

It's a good job that the bag didn't have something like bricks inside, otherwise they would have possibly needed to call the ambulance because the way in which he dove into the tackle bag head first and with such great impact made me flinch a bit. 

This was also a show where the audience were standing up rather than being seated which initially at one stage I thought this was going to be exhausting, but it didn't feel that way as the show was only an hour long.

Most of the audience where dressed in rugby kit, which again suggests that they have a huge passion for the sport and are identifying themselves as proper rugby fans.  

  

Am I too fat or too short To Be A Cricketer?

Am I Too Fat or Too Short To Be a Cricketer?

Some people say you fave to be a certain physique to be a good cricketer, But I disagree. If you are physically fit enough to throw, catch, run and hit a ball you can be any size and weight. 

Let's look at England and Nottingham left arm spinner Samit Patel who once lost his place in the England squad due to being overweight and a low fitness level. Samit has represented England on a few occasions but has never cemented a spot in the team. Yes you have to be fit, but you need to be cricket fit which is what Samit has improved on over the last 5 years. 

Another player who has not been playing lately for his country due to fitness is New Zealand's Jesse Ryder. Ryder is known to be a powerful left handed batsman who likes to hit big sixes, but he isn't that quick at running between wickets nor in the field. It just shows that if you're good enough and fit enough to do two or even all three facets of the sport, you should be allowed to play cricket no matter what your weight is. 

According to Sport sociologist Jay Coakley, a typical sportsman or sportswoman must have the ability to:

• Make sacrifices for the sport
• Strive for distinction 
• take risks through pain 
• go to the limit

These elements are crucial in any sport, specifically the more physical ones such as taking a risk through pain. Coming back to cricket, one thing that has improved drastically  over the years is the fielding. nowadays we se cricketers throwing down the stumps and taking spectacular catches which were almost impossible a decade ago. 

Let's not forget that catch Bermuda's Dwayne Leverock the fattest cricketer in the world took at the 2007 World Cup to dismiss India's Robin Uthappa.

WC 2007 Dwayne Leverock catch

Not a bad effort from the big man isn't it?

It just goes to show that you don't have to have a certain body shape to play cricket,  it's all about fitness.

Kruger Van Wyk a wicketkeeper from New Zealand apparently is the world's smallest cricketer with a height of just 1.19metres. Mohammad Irfan the left-arm pacer from Pakistan is the world's tallest cricketer with a height of 2.16metres. So you can see that there is no specific height in which you need to be to play cricket, you just need to be good enough and fit enough.

Having said this, we are now in an era where most cricketers like to do more strength training to build up their physique. Most fast bowlers like to have a strong upper body which helps to put more speed on the ball when they release it. They are also conscious about their diet and their weight.  

It's about how you feel as a cricketer, do you think your fit enough to bat 50 or even 90 overs? Can you cope with 5-day test matches? These are the questions that  you need to ask yourself. 

Gender and Sexism in football

Gender and Sexism in Football 

Years ago, people used to say women could not play football but now anybody can play the beautiful game. 

At the beginning of 2004 Sepp Blatter came up with a theory on how the women's game could become more popular. 'Let the women play in more feminine clothes like they do in volleyball. Female players are pretty, if you excuse me for saying so, and they already have some different rules to men – such as playing with a lighter ball. That decision was taken to create a more female aesthetic, so why not do it in fashion?'

So why is women's soccer underrated? First of all, when football was first invented in the mid 1800s, the majority of women were working in factory's or at home while the men were either at work or in this case playing football.   

The last time England's men's team reached the semi-finals of a major tournament was the 1996 European Championships where the lost to the old enemy Germany on penalties. As far as the women's team are concerned, they reached the final of the 1984 where they lost to Sweden and the 2009 European championships where they received a thumping 6-2 defeat at the hands of the old enemy Germany.    

This clearly states that the women had most certainly had more success lately than the men. But this still doesn't change the fact that we still see a lot more men's football then women. Why that is, is a good question.

If you look all the big clubs in the Premier League, most of them have  a women's football team. Take Arsenal as an example, Arsenal have been the most successful women's team winning 12 titles with the latest being in 2010. When was the last time the men won the league? 2004. So you can clearly see that the women have had the more success over the years.

Over the past few years, football has witnessed some moments in which sexism has been an issue. Let's take commentator Andy Gray as an example. Gray was sacked for making a sexist comment on the assistant referee Sian Massey saying that female officials 'don't know the offside rule'. That to me is a load of trash because many male linesmen get off-side decisions wrong, take Luis Suarez's  second goal against England in the 2014 World Cup. 

Ever since the women's Euros this summer, I would say that women's football has got a lot more popular. Whether it's to do with England reaching the semis I don't know but it has certainly grabbed the interest of fans in England.

Lee Velo Park Six-day cycling

Six-day event at Lee Velo Park

We were in for an intriguing night at the Six-day event at Lee Velo Park. In one of Britain's most iconic sporting venues, The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  

Many of the world's top track cyclists were taking part in this six-day event including Great Britain's Mark Cavendish.

There were six events taking place, Madison, Elimination, Derney, Women's Omnium, 200m Time Trial and the Keirin.

The Madison was the first event of the evening. The race itself was fairly competitive, but it was the highly experience Belgian pair of Boussaer and Hester who won the event.

As for the event itself, the atmosphere was good in the sense that although there wasn't a full house, there were still enough spectators to create a reasonably good atmosphere.

It was a little disappointing to see that other than Mark Cavendish, there weren't any other British Olympic medallists such as Laura Trott who participated in Rio 2016 but was not participating in this event due to pregnancy.

The time trial event was also intriguing to watch as it was one of the more tactical events. I loved the way in which the cyclists plan their time trial and waited for the right moment to push the accelerator, it was almost like your waiting for something to give you a burst of energy to kickstart your ride.

What was also noticeable was the fact that some of the spectators were in cycling kit, which could suggest that they have a huge passion for cycling and were representing the sports identity as cycling fans.

I noticed that some of my peers were doing interviews with some of the spectators and cyclists. I thought that was something that I could consider doing in the future in terms of my live event reporting skills.

This gives you more to write about as a Sports Journalist as you can take in the views of other people who have been to this event and implement them into your own work.

Moscow 1980 1500m final

Co vs Ovett rivalry continues 

The 1980 Olympics were set for an epic showdown between two of the world's finest athletes.  

Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe were two of the many athletes representing Great Britain.

Despite dominating this event, Ovett and Coe had competed against each other in one race which was at the 1978 European championships.

The two athletes finished in second and third place.

Ever since their rivalry began, it had a huge influence in the English media due to the popularity of the sport being higher than anytime since athletics existed.

There were two events in Moscow, the 800m which Ovett won and the 1500m where Coe won.

Ovett and Coe were joint record holders finishing the race in 3 minutes and 32.1 seconds, with Coe having equaled Ovett's record in Oslo a fortnight ago. 

Ovett was the reigning European and World champion so he had the advantage over Coe in terms of success in this particular event.

Six days later, Coe and Ovett competed in the 1500m final where Coe was under immense pressure from the media. 

Races like the 1500m were usually considered to be tactical as opposed to an outright sprint, but for Ovett a bronze medal was on the cards.  

Ovett was also the fastest in the heats with a time of 3minutes 33seconds followed by Straub and Nemeth who did not make the final due to a slower time limit.      

Harry Weinstein story

Harvey Weinstein Story

The Harvey Weinstein story has developed a great interest to viewers as he has been accused by US actress Rose McGowan for a sexual assault incident on her.

However Weinstein has denied allegations of non-consensual sexual activity on McGowan.

The fact that the New York police and Scotland Yard are now reopening an investigation to see if he was involved in a similar case in 2004 is intriguing, especially with the story having already started a week ago.

On the other hand, statements from Weinstein's lawyers say that he denies sexually assaulting anyone.

However, due to police investigations and Oscar's bosses taking action against him, it may be difficult to receive a second chance, therefore he started counselling sessions in order to prove himself mentally stable to the police.

Cara Delevingne also shared claims for meeting Weinstein at a hotel in order to discuss about a role in an upcoming film but she claimed that Weinstein was apparently speaking about sex and asked her to go to his room.

Weinstein felt guilty for his actions and issued an apology statement 'I acted inappropriately and sincerely apologise.

The question is, will he be able to prove himself innocent in this case ?  

The story is still to be continued..

Bobby Charlton at 80

Bobby Charlton at 80

Sir Bobby Charlton by far was regarded as one of the world's best players of all time. This documentary looks back at what has been an incredible and highly successful career for the former England and Manchester United midfielder.

This programme also has a clear understanding of the way in which Bobby Charlton's career was built around football and it's society.
  

Having been brought up in Northumberland, no one expected him to have a highly successful career and achieve all that there is to achieve in both international and club football. particularly with his family being so poor at that time. This is why this documentary is so intriguing to watch, it's the history behind the success of English football.

What is also intriguing is the fact that this happened when it almost didn't, especially after that horrific plane crash in which he somehow managed to survive but unfortunately lost his best friend two weeks later. To have overcome all those emotional barriers and still have a phenomenal career is just incredible and shows what a true sportsman he was and shows the mentality he had as a player. .

In sport, it is great to see a coach having an impact on a player's performance, especially if it happens week in and week out. That's where former United assistant coach Jimmy Murphy had a huge influence on Bobby's success.

Murphy described Sir Bobby as his golden apple in the sense that the team was built around him being the focal point. What stands out for me is his passion and respect for the game especially after Manchester United's victory against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, which was the first match post the plane crash. He also rated him as being one of the worlds top players alongside players like Pele. That for me is a bold statement to make because you are comparing one player in one decade to another player in another decade, which can be difficult to prove at times.

Bobby Charlton had tremendous respect for the Owls and felt sympathy for them as they didn't stand a chance of beating his United side.

In terms of building relationships with his teammates for both club and country, Duncan Edwards was rated as one of Sir Bobby's best friend. He was traditionally a left half but he could play in all different positions if necessary.

One of Bobby Charlton's memorable moments was playing alongside one of his two brothers, Jack  at the 1966 World Cup. This was because he felt a family connection with them and had  a great understanding amongst each other. This is what I feel is emotional in the sense that if I were playing in the same team amongst my siblings, it would probably inspire me as well as them to perform to the best of our abilities

With Charlton in the team, England were almost unbeatable, especially going into the World Cup. in which the did not lose a single game and only conceded two goals to West Germany in the final. It was a golden era for English football in which Sir Bobby was the mainstay of that fabulous 1966 World Cup team.

I was slightly surprised to see that they didn't at least show a clip of England's 1966 manger Sir Alfred Ramsey as I'm sure he must have had some part to play in Bobby Charlton's career, especially at the World Cup.

England Secure World Cup 2018 Qualification

Kane's Late Winner Secures England's place at Russia 2018

Gareth Southgate's England secured their place in next summer's World Cup in Russia following an injury time goal from Spurs striker Harry Kane.

Sitting petty at the top of group F in the qualifying stages, Gareth Southgate and England were just one victory away from securing their place in next summer's World Cup.

Southgate chose to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kane being the focal point, Slovenia on the other hand went with the orthodox 4-4-2.

The first half was a fairly tight contest with limited chances for both teams, Ten minutes into the match, Slovenia had their first chance to score via a 22 yard free kick which was well saved by England's no,1 Joe Hart.

14 minutes later, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was brought down just outside the penalty area for a free kick for England. Kyle Walker stepped up to take it but failed to hit the target. This was the last chance of a tightly contested first half.

Nine minutes into the second half, Slovenia made their first substitution when Andraz Sporar was replaced by Valter Birsa.

The Three Lions had a great opportunity to score in the 62nd minute where Marcus Rashford attempted to scoop the ball over Slovenian keeper Jan Oblack, but the Manchester united centre forward could only watch it sail over the bar.

These missed opportunities from England added more frustration for Southgate who decided to replace Liverpool winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin for Manchester United's Jesse Lingard.

In the 66th minute, Kane tried his luck from outside the penalty box which made the ball sail just wide of the post.

Slovenia made their second substitution when striker Roman Bezjak was replaced by Jan Repas.71st minute, this was followed by another change 7 minutes later when off went Rajko Rotman to be replaced by Tim Matavz.

in the 83rd minute, Slovenia had a great opportunity to score but Joe Hart once again proved that he was by no doubt England's no:1 goalkeeper by pulling of a great double save to deny Slovenia a 1-0 lead.

Their was also some light entertainment for the spectators to enjoy when an intruder unexpectedly made his way onto the field but thankfully the security guards managed to track him down and escort him of the pitch.

The fourth official indicated a minimum of 6 minutes added time in which Kane scored what was likely to be the winner as he headed in a ball via a cross from Walker in the 93rd minute.

Southgate's men managed to see out the rest of the added time to steer England home to a 1-0 victory and guarantee a place in next summer's world cup.

Amar Patel 

Windies stun England

Windies stun England

Shai Hope stars with the bat as West Indies pull of a stunning 5-wicket win over England in the 2nd Test at Headingley, Leeds.

Having comprehensively beaten the West Indies by 209 runs in the first day/night test in England at Edgbaston, most cricket fans especially in England were hoping to see the team wrap up the series at Headingly.

The West Indies on the other hand had other ideas, especially having played so poorly in the first test.

When new England skipper Joe Root won the toss and chose to bat on a cloudy Friday morning and a reasonably flat pitch, most people especially England fans were expecting a huge first innings total on the board.

But it was not to be as England were skittled out for a below par first innings score of 258 due to some terrific bowling from the West Indies, especially their new ball bowlers Kemar Roach who achieved figures of 4-51 and Shannon Gabriel who took 4-51.

All-rounder Ben Stokes was the only light to shine in England’s first innings scoring a century of 188 balls along with a handy knock from Root who scored 59 of 188.

At the start of West Indies first innings, England’s leading wicket taker James Anderson got England off to a good start by taking 3 early wickets for 24 runs, leaving the score at 35 for 3.

It was then up to Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope to dig the West Indies out of trouble and they did so with a partnership of 246 runs. Shai Hope was the star of the innings scoring 147 of 343 balls along with Brathwaite who got 134 of 249 balls. 

It was a demoralising time for England in the field, especially when ex-England skipper Alistair Cook dropped Hope early in his innings at first slip of the bowling of Stuart Broad.

This was the turning point in the match for the West indies who made England pay for their missed opportunities in the field.   

In England’s second innings, Cook and Mark Stoneman got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 58 runs of 21.5 overs before Cook was caught behind off West Indies keeper Shane Dowrich for 23 off 63. Stoneman was the next man to go when he chopped one onto his stumps after scoring his maiden test fifty from 124 balls.

Newcomer Tom Westley’s tough start to test cricket continued when he was once again caught behind of the bowling of West indies skipper Jason Holder.

Root, Dawid Malan, Stokes, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes were the main contributors in England’s second innings with scores of 72, 61, 58, 84 and 61. This set up a target of 321 for West Indies to chase down.

In their quest to chase down these runs, the West Indies got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 41 runs between Brathwaite and Kieron Powell.  England’s second highest wicket-taker Stuart Broad picked up the first wicket of Kieron Powell who was caught at gully by Stokes.

Four overs later, Kyle Hope was the next man to go where he was run out by Broad for a duck.

Once again it was then down to the two centurions from the first innings to dig the West Indies out of trouble, and they did so with a partnership of 144 runs in 40.3 overs.

England were desperate for a breakthrough, so Root turned to Moeen Ali and he did not let him down by removing Brathwaite who was looking to drive against the spin and ended up edging the ball to Stokes at first slip.

Roston Chase was the next man in and looked solid for his 75-ball 30 before being brilliantly caught at mid on by substitute fielder Mason Crane of the bowling of Woakes.

With the West Indies inching ever so near Jermaine Blackwood looked like he was on a mission to quickly finish of the game for the West Indies.

He certainly looked as if he was doing so with his blistering 41of 45 balls but ended up going for one to many high-risk shots and was therefore stumped by Johnny Bairstow of the bowling of Ali.

However, just like the first innings, Shai Hope showed his composure and finished off the game with a gutsy 118 not out.

For his magnificent display of batting for the West Indies, Hope was named man of the match.

Hope also became the first batsman from the West Indies to score a century in  both innings of first-class match at Headingley.

This also was the third highest run chase to be achieved in a test match in England.

So this means that the series is level at 1-1 as we head into the third test at Lords. Can England bounce back or are we in for another thrilling display from this young West Indies team?