West Indies got off to a brilliant start on Day 2, chasing England’s first innings total of 416. The opening pair of rookie Mikyle Louis and skipper Kraigg Brathwaite put together a half-century stand.
Uncharacteristically, they opted for a dynamic approach on a favorable batting pitch with no swing on offer, prompting Ben Stokes to call upon his X-factor. On the cusp of the opening hour, Mark Wood was handed the red cherry and delivered a breathtaking opening spell.
Wood immediately bowled faster than his fellow pacers, with his first delivery clocking 151 kph. He ramped up his pace with a 155 kph missile that swung away from Louis, who barely had a clue. Sensibly, the youngster left the next two balls, which read 148 and 153 kph, respectively.
Wood aimed for a fierce yorker next, pushing his pace past 155 kph again, and capped off his over with another 153 kph delivery, making it the fastest over by an England bowler on home soil since records began. But this was just the beginning.
Wood’s ensuing deliveries had both batters scrambling, with the fastest ball of the spell coming on the penultimate delivery of his third over: a fierce bouncer that swished past Louis’ face at an astounding 156 kph (97.1 mph).
Fast. Faster. Fastest ⚡💨@MAWood33 clocks the fastest over by an English bowler on home soil 🔥#SonySportsNetwork #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/qO2SR8ev61
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 19, 2024
All the pressure Wood built up with his pace eventually paid off as Shoaib Bashir managed to capitalize with two quick wickets, while Twitterati continued to sing praises of the thrill Wood generates with his speed.