England will look to defy a placid pitch and push for victory in the first Test against the West Indies after a long-awaited century from Zak Crawley steered them away from danger.
The tourists dominated the penultimate day in Antigua, turning a first-innings deficit of 64 into a sturdy lead of 153 on the back of a bumper partnership between Crawley and Joe Root.
The pair put on an unbroken 193, with Crawley ending a 19-month wait to follow-up his memorable 267 with 117 not out and Root scoring an effortless 84no.
At some stage they will need to decide when to time their declaration, but with a flat track that has so far refused to misbehave and an opposition who have already proved their resolve they will arrive on the final morning knowing the draw remains the favourite.
Doubts remain over Wood
Player to watch – Jack Leach
☝️ Jack Leach picks up the final first-innings wicket off the third ball of the day.
West Indies are all out for 375, leading by 64.#WTC23 | #WIvENG | https://t.co/71mXRNwEon pic.twitter.com/1fOQuZr9Ml
— ICC (@ICC) March 11, 2022
Given Wood’s likely absence, England seem set to ask spinner Jack Leach to take a heavy share of the bowling burden. In the first innings he got through 43.3 overs on his own as he held down an end with admirable control. This time the plan will be to rotate the available seamers and allow Leach to flex his attacking muscles. With runs on the board he should be able to bowl with aggressive fields and with attacking lines. If things happen in a hurry, he will be key.
View from the dressing room
England’s century-maker said his side would aim for victory by trying all day, regardless of what the pitch gives them.
The West Indies have never lost to England in this corner of the Caribbean, a record dating back more than four decades and two different grounds. There have been four heavy home wins and five draws, and shutting out England again is a huge motivating factor.
