West Indies seize initiative in battle to save second Test against England

West Indies are on course to earn a draw from the second Test with England after losing just three wickets on a day where Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood both recorded centuries.

Holding a 436-run lead, England had hoped to make quick inroads, and they were initially successful with their mission as Jack Leach and Ben Stokes removed Shamarh Brooks (39) and Nkrumah Bonner (9) respectively.

At that stage, West Indies were 101-3 and over 400 runs behind England, but Brathwaite and Blackwood combined to put on 183 for the fourth wicket.

The partnership had lasted 67.3 overs before Dan Lawrence trapped Blackwood in front of his stumps for 102, earning a slight reprieve for England after several spurned opportunities.

Brathwaite managed to negotiate the closing overs to reach stumps having batted all day, reaching 109 from his 337 deliveries.

While England still lead by 219 runs, they will realistically need to dismiss West Indies in the first two sessions on Saturday to remain with a chance of forcing a victory.