Late rally puts England on top but it is honours even on odd decisions

The decision by West Indies to bowl first was odd as they brought in an off-spinner for an injured seamer and then asked England to bat. I think it was a part-offensive and part-defensive decision.

West Indies hold the Wisden Trophy, so a draw suits them. I think Jason Holder was wary of batting first and his own batsmen getting bowled out cheaply, thereby giving the initiative to England. He may have also thought that if there was anything in the pitch it would be on the first day, and the weather forecast is great for the first day before showers come in.

If there is any rain in the next few days it may curtail the amount of time – and lost time could help West Indies get the draw they would be happy with.

England’s selection was odd, too. They left out a batsman, Zak Crawley, for an extra seamer yet their weak link has been, and still is, batting – not seam bowling.

James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and one spinner, Dom Bess, seems overkill to me – and one too many for a wobbly batting order.

Dom Sibley found out painfully that Test cricket can be cruel. For him, a week ago was the Lord Mayor’s show and yesterday was the dust cart. He lasted five balls, played across the line to leg, missed it easily and was plumb.

Ben Stokes found batting hard work. Why? It is difficult to be sure because he is England’s best batsman, in good form, confident and in the runs.

I have seen some great allrounders whose ability to take

Knocked over: England talisman Ben Stokes is clean bowled by Kemar Roach for 20