Bravo hits fifty, WI take 119-run lead vs England

Darren Bravo made a painstaking half century to help West Indies take a crucial 119-run first-innings lead over England on the third day of the second Test at the Viv Richards Stadium here on Saturday.

The left-handed batsman completed the slowest Test halfcentury by a West Indies player in terms of minutes, after taking a single to reach the landmark, in 340 minutes and 215 deliveries. The No 4 batsman, who hit only two fours and a six but held one end up on a two-paced pitch, was the last man to be dismissed close to lunch.

Bravo, having played patiently since Day 2, was stumped by Jonny Bairstow after he was beaten trying a heave against off-spinner Moeen Ali the delivery after reaching fifty. West Indies were 306 all out, England having been dismissed for 187 on the first day.

England openers Rory Burns and Joe Denly survived four overs of their second innings before lunch, scoring nine without loss, leaving them 110 runs behind at the break. West Indies are 1-0 up in the three-match series.

ALZARRI BEREAVED

The day’s play began on a sad note following news that West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s mother Sharon, who reportedly had been ill for some time, had died. Players from both sides wore black armbands.

The grief-stricken Joseph still batted, scoring seven runs off 20 deliveries coming in at No 10.

It was a good morning for England though as they wrapped up the four remaining wickets for 34 runs. Stuart Broad (3-53) was the pick of the England bowlers on Friday along with Moeen Ali (3/62).

Brief scores: (at lunch):

England 187 (J Bairstow 52, M Ali 60, K Roach 4/30, S Gabriel 3/45, A Joseph 2/38) and 9-0; WI 306 all out in 131 overs (K Brathwaite 49, J Campbell 47, D Bravo 50, S Broad 3/53, M Ali 3/62).