Bashir’s run of wickets helps England win the series

Somerset batsman Shoaib Bashir helped fuel a flurry of West Indies wickets after hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook set up England’s 241-run series win at Trent Bridge.

Root and Brook, the long-time king of England’s batting unit and its heir apparent, blasted stylish centuries to pave the way for a sprint to victory on the fourth night of this second Test.

Chasing an unlikely target of 385, the tourists were demolished for 143 in just 36.1 overs as rookie spinner Bashir claimed five for 41.

The 20-year-old, who did not get a single run in the first Test at Lord’s, justified the selection gamble that saw him step up ahead of the stalwart Jack Leach this summer as he took over as the fourth finisher innings.

He played with finesse and skill, teasing his opponents with dip and drift to register his third five-for in five appearances for his country.

It was a perfect end to England’s first home Test without Stuart Broad or James Anderson since 2012. England’s attack was in clinical mood as they forced a dramatic Caribbean collapse from 61 for no loss.

Chris Woakes got things going by dismissing both openers, Mark Wood added a splash of raw pace and Gus Atkinson took two.

But it was fitting for Bashir, the youngest member of a revamped XI, to deliver the killer blow as he cleanly bowled Shamar Joseph to the delight of the Nottingham crowd.

England are 2-0 up with one to play at Edgbaston next week, securing their first series win since December 2022.