England's  Ollie Pope (91* runs off 142 balls) and Jose Buttler (56* runs off 120 balls) shared an unbroken 136-run partnership to power England to 258/4 at Stumps of the first day of the decisive third Test between the two sides at Old Trafford on Friday.


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Even after getting completely dominated by the visitors in the morning session, England cricket team continued to struggle in the second session, courtesy a brilliant bowling performance from the Windies bowlers. Roach, Chase kept a tight leash on their opponents as they restricted them to 131/4 at Tea.


Both Buttler and Pope came out in the final session in the middle as they looked to fire for England with the bat, score some quick runs. Pope found his rhythm and continued to play a mix of risky and defensive shots. He looked determined to pull his squad back in the game and put them in a safe position. The stylish batsman brought up his fourth Test half-century with a beautiful cover drive.


After reaching the mini-milestone, Pope changed his game plan and started showing signs of aggression as he raced to 60 off just 87 balls.





After Pope, it was now Buttler's turn to completely change the complexion of the final session. The flamboyant confident looking batsman smashed two big sixes off Cornwall to put Windies bowlers and skipper under pressure.





The duo continued to stretch their partnership and played some nice strokes to help their team go past 200. On the other hand, Windies were now desperate for a wicket.


Pope and Buttler soon attained the 100-run partnership. The only hope now left for the visitors was getting the second new ball. Pope finally took a back-seat for a while and it was now Buttler's turn to shine as he notched up his 17th Test fifty after playing good 10 Test games.


Just when Pope was about to score his ton, bad light stopped play.


England (Playing XI): Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Chris Woakes, Dominic Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson


West Indies (Playing XI): Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich(w), Jason Holder(c), Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel


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