Jason Holder and Nkrumah Bonner shared an unbeaten 75-run stand as West Indies posted 202 for four after recovering from a mini collapse on the second day of the first Test against England on Wednesday.
West Indies were 109 runs behind at the Viv Richards Stadium in North Sound, with Holder at 43 and Bonner at 34, with the match as delicate at the end of the day as it was at the beginning.
Openers Craig Brathwaite and John Campbell scored freely in an 83-run partnership, with West Indies losing three quick wickets as the visitors fought for the delight of the traveling Barmy Army.
But Bonner and veteran holder bowed down to watch an excellent spell by Mark Wood and Ben Stokes, the run rate slowing to a crawl as survival became the most immediate concern.
Spinner Jack Leach then anchored at one end, bowling 47 consecutive dot deliveries in one leg, but England could not break past close.
Holder occasionally opened up his broad shoulders, especially with part-time spinner Joe Root hitting a six over long-on.
The second new ball can’t be 13.1 overs away, can’t come soon enough for England.
Earlier, Jonny Bairstow (140) scored his highest score since 2016, but England lost their last four wickets for 43 runs as the tail failed to withstand the second new ball in the Caribbean.
Still, a total of 311 was fair for England, as they fell 48-4 on the first day, and it was better than anything they mustered up during the recent Ashes series defeat in Australia.
Jaden Seals finished with 4-79, although Holder (2-24) was the bowlers’ choice, giving up barely a run per over.
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