SOUTHAMPTON – West Indies hold a commanding 99-run lead over England at the end of a fascinating third day of the first cricket test on Friday after posting 318 in their first innings at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
In response, England openers Dom Sibley and Rory Burns saw off fiery spells from West Indies pacers Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach to guide the hosts to 15-0 in their second innings at stumps.
The tourists hold the upper hand but England were pleased to survive that tricky late session without loss and know they need a strong performance with the bat on Saturday.
Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich stitched together an 81-run partnership to give the visitors control of the match before Chase was trapped lbw by Anderson for 47, with the on-field umpire’s not out decision overturned on review.
West Indies skipper Jason Holder was dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes for five before Alzarri Joseph departed for a quickfire 18 with his stumps sent cartwheeling by Stokes for his 150th test wicket.
Dowrich’s 115-ball vigil came to an end when he was strangled down the leg-side by Stokes, feathering an edge to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler for 61. West Indies’ innings came to an end when Gabriel was bowled by seamer Mark Wood.
Earlier in the day, opener Kraigg Brathwaite’s 65 laid the foundations for the tourists.
Stokes took four for 49 and Anderson three for 62. (Reuters)
