Kraigg Brathwaite’s determined century led West Indies to 202-2 at the close of the fourth day of the second Test, leaving the hosts with a lead of 37 runs.
There is still plenty of work to do for the hosts to save the Test, but England will have taken little heart from a flat batting track that has shown few signs of deteriorating.
A draw seems the most likely scenario after the final day of play, meaning the series would be decided in the third and final Test in Barbados.
Photo: Reuters
With England having established a first-innings lead of 165, largely thanks to Joe Root’s wonderful unbeaten 182, the pressure was on Brathwaite, especially after the early loss of his partner Devon Smith shortly before lunch.
The Bajan, well supported by Darren Bravo (69) and then Marlon Samuels, took a firm grip on proceedings, making the most of a placid surface.
Brathwaite’s fourth Test century, his first against England, was a superb display of concentration against some tight, very straight bowling from England.
Photo: AFP
The second-wicket partnership with Bravo put on 142 and could well have been more costly for England.
The left-handed Bravo looked very well set and will be disappointed he edged a routine off-stump delivery from Stuart Broad through to England keeper Jos Buttler.
Marlon Samuels has had some tetchy moments with the England team during this series, but he looked calm and focused as he made 22 before the close.
Earlier, Root was left frustrated when England’s last man James Anderson was run out for two, leaving him 18 short of a second career Test double century.
England started the day on 373-6 with Root on 118, but they quickly lost Buttler for 13.
Root took the attack to the West Indies bowlers, producing some fine aggressive strokes, but he eventually ran out of partners.
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