St George’s, Grenada, CMC — Joe Root hit his sixth Test century and first overseas as England survived a spirited West Indies display, to grab the advantage on the third day of the second Test here Thursday.
The plucky right-hander, playing in his 24th Test, delighted himself on a flat track at the Grenada National Stadium and in the best batting conditions of the game to finish the day 118 not out, steering England to 373 for five at the close.
He was joined by fellow rookie Gary Ballance who struck 77, captain Alistair Cook who stroked 76 and Jonathan Trott who made 59.
England were cruising at one point on 329 for three in the final session but West Indies stuck to their task and clawed their way back, grabbing three wickets for 35 runs to end the day strongly.
The visitors lead by 74 runs heading into Friday’s fourth day
Summarized Scores:
West Indies 1st Innings: 299 All Out (104.4 Overs). Marlon Samuels 103, Darren Bravo 35, Denesh Ramdin*+ 31, Davendra Bishoo 30; Stuart Broad 24-9-61-4, James Anderson 24-10-47-2, Chris Jordan 25-4-65-2, Moeen Ali 13.4-1-47-1.
England 1st Innings: 373/6 (124 Overs). Joe Root 118*, Gary Ballance 77, Alastair Cook* 76, Jonathan Trott 59; Davendra Bishoo 41-10-124-2, Shannon Gabriel 19-3-60-2, Marlon Samuels 21-4-38-1, Jason Holder 18-6-49-0.
Stumps, Day 3