Day 2 and an innings of 176 from Ben Stokes puts pressure on the West Indies batters. Ben’s finely paced 176 was his second highest test score. It was also Ben’s tenth test century and fourth 100 in his last 12 test innings.
The rhythm of the England innings continued with the same regularity of the first day. Ben and Dom Sibley (120) showed patience in their accumulation of runs. This was an evolving partnership. One in perfect tune with the conditions and the quality of the bowling.
Dom was the first to reach his century. He was soon followed by Ben, his 100 (10 fours, 1 six) coming off 255 balls.
The tempo of the innings now quickened, Ben’s next 50 taking just 46 balls with some wonderful stroke making.
When Sibley fell to a catch in the deep the pair had added 260 for the fourth wicket, the highest partnership in a home test for nine years.
Ben was eventually caught behind attempting a reverse sweep off the bowling of Kemar Roach. Roach having bowled 514 balls since his last test wicket.
The record books will show that Ben faced 356 balls, striking 17 fours and 2 sixes in his innings of 176. For good measure, he also passed 8000 first-class runs.
England declared on 469-4, Jos Buttler contributing 40 vital runs. At stumps, West Indies were 32-1.
(PhoenixMedia Image Created from a Photo by William West/AFP via Getty Images)