GROS ISLET – Veteran seamer Jimmy Anderson ripped through the West Indies top order to leave the hosts staring at defeat, after England set them a mammoth target on the penultimate day of the third and final Test here Tuesday.
At lunch at the Darren Sammy National Stadium, West Indies were reeling on 35 for four, with Anderson having already snapped up three for seven in a devastating new-ball spell.
Facing an improbable victory target of 485 after England declared their second innings on 361 for five after 25 minutes of play, West Indies suffered an early blow when left-hander John Campbell edged a drive at the third ball of the innings from Anderson to be brilliantly caught by Moeen Ali at gully, without scoring.
In Anderson’s next over, Brathwaite edged a defensive prod to Ben Stokes at second slip for eight and Darren Bravo followed without scoring in the seventh over, caught at first slip by skipper Joe Root at 10 for three.
Speedster Mark Wood got the fourth wicket when he had Shai Hope taken at point by Stuart Broad for 14, playing uncomfortably against a short delivery.
At the break, Roston Chase was unbeaten on eight and Shimron Hetmyer on two.
Root had earlier fallen for 122 after resuming the day on 111, as England picked up from their overnight 325 for four.
Stokes finished on 48 not out, extending the fifth wicket stand with Root to 107. (CMC)