MX23RW : Wednesday, February 6 16:08:29

England battling to save second Test against West Indies

England battling to save second Test against West Indies
© Reuters
The tourists gave up a 119-run first-innings lead.

England began the unenviable job of batting their way back into the second Test after the West Indies built a 119-run first-innings lead.

England bowled the hosts out for 306 in Antigua, taking their four remaining wickets for 34 runs on the third morning.

Darren Bravo was last man out for exactly 50, the West Indies' slowest ever half-century having taken 215 balls.

Kemar Roach delivered a terrifying bouncer to Rory Burns moments into the England response, emphasising the size of the task ahead, but England's openers took nine off the deficit in four wicketless overs before lunch.

The day began with the tragic news that the mother of West Indian paceman Alzarri Joseph had died in the hours before play. Offered the chance to sit out, he instead took his place in the batting order and then in the field, while members of both sides wore black armbands in respect.

Resuming on 272 for six, Bravo and Jason Holder continued the belligerence they had shown on the second evening, taking half-an-hour to add just nine to the total.

James Anderson made the breakthrough, finding Holder's outside edge to leave a simple take for Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.

Roach was less patient, throwing the bat at Anderson and sending a high catch whizzing to Ben Stokes at second slip.

Alzarri Joseph played despite the death of his mother in the early hours of the morning
Alzarri Joseph played despite the death of his mother in the early hours of the morning (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

That brought Joseph to the crease, welcomed by a lengthy round of applause by the predominantly English crowd and generous claps from the fielding side.

He added seven before poking Stokes' first ball low to third slip, where Burns held on well.

Bravo was tempted out of his shell by the introduction of Moeen, launching a six after 174 balls with no boundaries, and found himself stumped off the spinner immediately after reaching his 50.

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West Indies' Alzarri Joseph pictured on February 2, 2019
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Alzarri Joseph plays for West Indies despite death of his mother
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