WEST Indies have defeated England by four wickets in the first test at Southampton.
The English came into the 5th day on 284 for 8 with Mark Woods on one and Jofra Archer on five, leading the Caribbean team by only 170 runs.
It is the first time West Indies have gone one-up in a series since Edgbaston in 2000.
This is the first cricket test series since the Covid-19 pandemic and was played without spectators at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl.
As the 5th and final day bowled off on Sunday, England were only able to add 29 runs to the board with Jofra Archer being the last scalp for Gabriel He made 23 runs.
The West Indies started off their second innings needing 200 runs for victory.
At the start, it seemed like it would be too much for the Windies as wickets began falling with opener Kraigg Brathwaite being bowled by Archer for four runs.
John Campbell stood at the crease while he looked on helplessly as his fellow players Shai Hope was bowled for nine and Shamarh Brooks was out for duck.
Campbell was then joined by Roston Chase who made his way patiently to 37 before being caught by Buttler off the bowling of Archer.
Jermaine Blackwood was the top-scorer for the Windies as he made a well-played 95 but was caught by James Anderson off the bowling of Ben Stokes.
The West Indies cruised to victory in 64.2 overs with Jason Holder not out on 14 and John Campbell left on 8 runs.
The pick of England’s bowlers was Archer who took 3 for 45.
Shannon Gabriel was named player of the match for his 9 wicket haul in both innings.
The second of the three-match series bowls off on Thursday in Manchester.
