Despite losing wickets at regular intervals England made steady progress in the morning session of Day 2, thanks to half-centuries from Harry Brook (50) and Joe Root (68).
However, England were shaken post Lunch as they slipped to 287 for 6 from 244 for 3. Debutant Jamie Smith stepped up at this stage and received good support from Chris Woakes as they were instrumental in the hosts finishing with 371 in their first innings.
Having bundled out West Indies for a paltry 121, the hosts have already got themselves into a decent position in James Anderson’s farewell Test by taking a 250-run lead. West Indies, who began the second session on Day 1 at 61/3, imploded in a jiffy as Gus Atkinson became the seventh Englishman to snare seven wickets in an innings on debut.
Anderson, an England great, will retire as one of just the three bowlers in the coveted 700- wicket club in the red-ball format and has a realistic shot at surpassing Shane Warne’s tally of 708 scalps in his final Test.
Brief scores: West Indies 121 & 79/6 (Alick Athanaze 22; James Anderson 2-11, Ben Stokes 2-25, Gus Atkinson 2-27) trail England 371 (Zak Crawley 76, Jamie Smith 70, Joe Root 68, Ollie Pope 57, Harry Brook 50; Jayden Seales 4-77) by 250 runs.
200 Test wickets for Ben Stokes 🔥
Kirk McKenzie falls without scoring 😬 pic.twitter.com/28aIV3pnh4
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 11, 2024
