Windies have Hope to level the series
Brathwaite made a diligent 134 and Hope followed with a maiden three-figure Test score of 147 not out, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 246 to alter the complexion of the second Investec Test and the series.
Last Saturday, the Windies lost 19 wickets in a day at Edgbaston, but here the Barbadian duo delved into their reserves to see their side to 329 for five and a lead of 71.
They came together on 35 for three and were not to be parted for almost six hours, when Brathwaite’s 249-ball stay ended at Stuart Broad’s hand.
Things started in a very different tenor, with James Anderson’s bid to become the sixth member of Test cricket’s 500-wicket club the focus of the morning session.
Having moved to 493 on Friday he turned in an exemplary six- over burst containing three maidens, just five runs and scalps 494 and 495.
Nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo willingly donated his, wafting lazily to Jonny Bairstow, before the elder Hope brother, Kyle, nicked an inswinger that was well held by the diving Joe Root.
It seemed likely more successes would follow, but by now the matchchanging partnership was under way.
Woakes was unfortunate when testing Hope with a couple of nearunplayable deliveries, but Brathwaite was digging his heels in.
He successfully overturned a pair of on- field lbw decisions. Broad denied by an inside edge and Moeen Ali hitting the pad outside the line.
By then Brathwaite was one blow away from 50 and he toasted a judicious use of DRS by clubbing the next ball for the first six of the match.
From 109 for three at lunch, Brathwaite and Hope added 97 more in the middle session as the sun shone, the ball softened and spirits flagged in the field.
TheWest Indian duo were warming to their task as the milestones ticked by, a flick from Hope heralding the
Ben Stokes reacts as Shai Hope picks up more runs at Headingley yesterday. century stand, a drive off Woakes earning him a 72- ball 50 and Brathwaite bringing the deficit down into double figures with an authoritative clatter through cover.
Brathwaite came out on the right side of a third referral when England fancied him caught behind off Moeen. He timed his run to three figures perfectly, sending the penultimate ball before tea into the stands.
Hope stepped into the spotlight at the start of the third session, accelerating sweetly past his previous best of 90 and wheeled away in celebration, swinging his bat and shouting in satisfaction after bring up the century.
An off-side blow from Brathwaite took the partnership past 200 as England hunkered down for the second new ball, but when it arrived the desired breakthrough did not.
Instead, 35 more runs passed before Broad forced one through Brathwaite’s defences to part his stumps. Stokes added the bonus wicket of Roston Chase but Hope ensured he’d be there to lead the fight again today alongside Jermaine Blackwood, who reached stumps on 21 from 23 balls.