West Indies build massive 449-run lead over weary England

England endured a despairing morning in the field as West Indies pair Jason Holder and Shane Dowrich all but batted the tourists out of the first Test.

Joe Root’s side were rolled over for just 77 on a chaotic second day, during which 18 wickets tumbled, but Friday’s first session saw the best partnership of the match as the Windies established a colossal 449-run lead.

England have never chased down more than 332, and that in 1928, while there have only been four successful pursuits of more than 400 in Test history.

A weary five-man bowling attack failed to extract anything at all from the Kensington Oval pitch that Kemar Roach ran riot on, with Holder (80no) and Dowrich (61no) making highly accomplished half-centuries as they piled on 110 before lunch.

The Windies began on 127 for six, 339 ahead, and went about extinguishing any remaining optimism by calmly blunting an 11-over burst from James Anderson and Ben Stokes.

The batsmen came out of their shell once they exited, Holder stroking three successive boundaries through the off side to welcome Moeen Ali’s off-spin.

Sam Curran was equally unsuccessful, dropping short to Holder and overpitching to Dowrich in the next over and seeing both deliveries despatched.

Adil Rashid was next to try his luck, Holder responding by launching him twice into the stands for six.

Both men eased past 50, the psychologically important mark of 400 ticked by and the final indignity of the session saw Holder race past England’s first innings total on his own.