Intensity of battle helps Stoneman to focus

England opener Mark Stoneman admitted the intensity of the battle against the West Indies helped him put the Ashes, the pundits and even a dislocated finger out of his mind at Headingley.

After three days the second Investec Test is balanced on a knife-edge, England with a two-run lead on 171 for three and everything up for grabs.

As is so often the case Joe Root holds the key for his side, resuming on 45 not out as he and Dawid Malan look to turn their 77-run stand into a defendable target.

But Stoneman can also reflect with pride on his contribution. Striding out for just his third Test innings, with a 169run deficit to clear, he made a gutsy 52 in what effectively serves as an audition for this winter’s Australia tour.

If that was not enough the 30-year-old also had to deal with a nasty blow to the left glove, which required remedial action from physio Craig de Weymarn.

That may seem like a lot to cope with but Stoneman said: “It was really good, the way the game panned out allowed us to forget all about the things on the periphery and just try to get into the contest.

“You’re obviously under a bit of pressure, they’re looking to take wickets with the new ball and do as much damage as they can. So it was nice to get a couple away and feel the middle of the bat.

“It helps remove any thoughts that might be in the back of your mind, the scrutiny you are under when you’re playing Test cricket, especially early in your career.”

Aside from leaving his mark on Stoneman, Windies skipper Holder enjoyed an impressive all-round showing in Leeds.

He hit a fluent 43 to raise his side to 427, then dismissed Alastair Cook and the troubled Tom Westley.

Mark Stoneman works the ball away on his way to a second innings half-century. Picture: