Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder dig in for West Indies on day two frustration for England
Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder frustrated England as West Indies closed day two of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 202-4.
Bonner reached 34 and Holder 43 to trail a frustrated England by 109 runs with six wickets remaining as a late shower brought play to an end.
England's Mark Wood, speaking to BT Sport, said: "Today was indifferent. We started poorly then dragged it back,they dug in well at the end. Our attitude in field was good we fielded with good purpose and intensity. The way we came back and showed good character was important.
"We need a couple of wickets to get into this line up, we know Jason Holder is a fantastic cricketer. They nullified that crucial reverse swing period well when we were keen to take a couple wickets.
"We were not as consistent as we needed to be at first. Our lengths were poor, we didn't quite get it right. I tried a little bit too hard, I put too much pressure on myself.
"When myself and Ben Stokes were bowling in partnership we were clear in our plans and stuck to our guns well, we just couldn't get the breakthrough."
Disciplined in the final session but without reward.@WindiesCricket trail by 1⃣0⃣9⃣ runs at the close.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 9, 2022
Match Centre: https://t.co/vjMSJN0DqF
🏝 #WIvENG 🏴 pic.twitter.com/TIGX9sZB0v
Opener John Campbell was the first to go when he was caught down the leg side for 35 from a Craig Overton delivery.
Overton then took a smart catch as captain Kraigg Braithwaite chased a quick and wide ball from Wood on 55 with the hosts on 101-2.
Ben Stokes then got his reward as he forced Shamarh Brooks to drive at a wide ball and edge to Joe Root at first slip on 18 with West Indies on 111-3.
Superb from Stokes 👏
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 9, 2022
England make another breakthrough - West Indies now 111-3 #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/duBEXnK4Eu
Jermaine Blackwood then edged onto his thigh pad for the ball to ballon up to Overton at gully as Chris Woakes claimed his wicket with the Windies on 127-4.
A wicket on the stroke of Tea ☝️
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 9, 2022
Chris Woakes removes Jermaine Blackwood and the West Indies are 127-4, trailing by 184. #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/d5Xz1tnc7i
Momentum appeared to be with the tourists before Bonner and Holder dug their heels in to blunt the Three Lions' attack in the final session to ensure the hosts hold the edge in the first Test.
When asked what England need to do on day three, Wood said: "We'll find a way to take wickets on this wicket, early wickets will be key. The new ball should be helpful to get the ball moving somehow."