2nd Test: Stokes shines as England beat West Indies to level series

England levelled the three-Test series against West Indies after bowling the tourists out for 198 in the second innings to win by 113 runs in the final session of the second Test with Ben Stokes in inspired form at Old Trafford on Monday.

England had declared their second innings at 129-3 in the first session in Manchester after sizzling all-rounder Stokes smashed 78 off 57 deliveries, setting West Indies a target of 312 with 85 overs left in the day.

England's fast bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes struck early to reduce the visitors to 37-4 but met stiff resistance in the form of Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood, who hit half centuries and added 100 runs for the fifth wicket.

But Stokes dismissed Blackwood (55) on the stroke of tea while Sam Curran had Brooks trapped leg before wicket for 62.

Stuart Broad staked a claim to stay in the team by claiming three wickets in each of the West Indies' innings. He took three of the first four wickets on Monday, finishing with 3-42.

Skipper Jason Holder frustrated the English bowlers as he dug himself in before being bowled by Dom Bess for 35 to open up the tail.

Earlier, England resumed on their overnight score of 37-2 and Stokes got straight into the action, looking to cart the bowlers all around the empty stadium to bring up his half century in only 36 balls.

Stokes, who scored 176 in the first innings, was unbeaten on 78 off 57 deliveries, which included three sixes, when England declared. Stokes has 343 runs already in this series, at 114.33, along with nine wickets.

The series is being played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The third Test which begins on Friday will also be played in Manchester.