Captain Kraigg Brathwaite continued leading from the front in his attempt to take the West Indies to a position of safety in the second Test againt England at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
Around 45 minutes after lunch on Day IV, the Windies were 366/6, 141 behind England’s first innings total of 507 for 9 declared. Brathwaite (152 batting), who scored his 10th Test hundred on the third day, replicated counterpart Joe Root by also reaching 150. But Jason Holder threw his wicket away on just the second ball of the post-lunch session, giving debutant Saqib Mahmood his maiden Test wicket.
It was mostly due to the 183-run fourth-wicket partnership of Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood (102), the other centurion who was dismissed late on Friday, that the Windies could get closer to the mark which would help them avoid the follow-on.
On Saturday, Brathwaite, who has remained steady on another batsmen-friendly surface, was ably assisted by nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph (19) as the duo put on a slow but defiant 52 for the fifth wicket that frustrated England’s bowlers.Holder too was looking solid thereafter till playing that needless shot.
Brief scores: England 507/9 decl. West Indies 366/6 (K. Brathwaite 152 batting, J. Blackwood 102). 45 minutes after lunch, Day IV.
Written with agency inputs
