Holder, Bonner keep England at bay

WEST INDIES all-rounder Jason Holder and batsman Nkrumah Bonner displayed some resolute batting, which has, so far, repelled England’s resurgence, following day two action of the first Apex Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

When play resumes on today’s third day, Holder will need seven runs for a well-deserved half-century, with Bonner looking quite compact during his 103-ball vigil that yielded 34. The West Indies will start on 202 for four and trail England by 109 runs, this after the visitors posted a first-innings score of 311.

The rearguard action from the pair came at the most opportune time as the host were in trouble at one stage despite getting a decent start from their openers.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell looked purposeful in adding 83 runs for the first wicket, but the fall of the latter opened the door for England to pounce, and pounce they did.

Campbell got to 35 with six fours, before Craig Overton had him caught behind down the leg side.

CAUGHT AT GULLY

Brathwaite was looking good after posting his fastest Test 50, which came off 62 balls with seven fours and a six, but he, too, would be sent to the showers when Mark Wood had him caught at gully for 55 with the West Indies 101 for two.

Ten runs later, Shamarh Brooks saw his good start wiped away. After hitting four fours, Ben Stokes came to the party to remove the right-hander for 18.

England sensed panic in the Windies batting and went in for the kill, and they were once again rewarded when Jermaine Blackwood was given out by the TV umpire after getting an inside-edge and was caught by Overton off Woakes for 11 at 127 for four.

Holder would then join Bonner, and the pair would weather the storm, literally, as the game was interrupted by rain on a few occasions. That, however, did not stop the pair’s resistance, with 75 runs being added for the fifth wicket.

Earlier, England’s total of 311 came about thanks largely to a fine knock of 140 from Jonny Bairstow, who added 31 runs to his overnight score of 109.

The West Indies plan was to make the new ball count on the second morning, and they did, Jayden Seales bagging the wickets of Woakes for 28 and Overton for nought to finish with four wickets for 79 runs.

Alzarri Joseph also picked up two wickets on the morning, including Bairstow’s, to finish with two for 70. Bairstow was last man out.