Resolute Brathwaite knock halts England progress

SCORECARD | WTC STANDINGS

In an innings that personified patience, Kraigg Brathwaite's 160 off 489 balls frustrated the England bowling attack leaving both sides needing something special to force a result on the final day.

England reached 40/0 at stumps on day four, leading by 136 runs overall with just one day's play remaining.

Tomorrow's morning session will play a pivotal role in determining the fate of this Test match and whether either team can take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Entering day four, West Indies resumed their innings at 288/4, with Brathwaite continuing where he left off yesterday, clipping the day's first delivery off his legs for four.

The hosts passed their first goal of the day within the hour, as they reached the follow-on mark. While England's seamers toiled to no avail, Jack Leach appeared more fruitful in his approach, producing consistent turn and bounce in the early interchanges.

As the fifth wicket stand went past fifty, England turned to their talisman Ben Stokes who, in his third over of the day, managed to force nightwatchman Alzzari Joseph into producing a false shot. Chasing a wide delivery, Joseph found the grateful grasp of Dan Lawrence at gully.

The fall of wicket brought to the crease Jason Holder, who alongside Brathwaite continued to adopt the steadfast approach, slowly whittling away at England's mammoth total.

The pair would lead West Indies through to the lunch break at 351/5, with Brathwaite five runs short of a second Test score of 150 plus and Holder adopting the supporting role.

England's fortunes looked to have taken a turn for the better in the immediate proceedings after lunch as Saqib Mahmood struck gold with the second ball post the interval. A wild stroke from Holder forced an excellent catch from a back-peddling Matt Fisher, providing the debutant Mahmood with his maiden Test wicket.

Following in the footsteps of England skipper Joe Root, Brathwaite raised his bat to celebrate 150 shortly after the wicket with a quick single taking him to the total.

After a long day of labour, Leach finally was rewarded for his work as an excellent delivery brought to an end Brathwaite's marathon knock, 160 off 489 deliveries spanning more than 11 hours at the crease.

Heading into the tea break, Chris Woakes picked up the scalp of Kemar Roach LBW to leave West Indies eight down and trailing England's total by 111 runs.

As play entered the evening session, the England bowler's torment continued in their chase of the last few wickets. Eventually, after 187.5 overs in the field, Leach trapped Joshua Da Silva square in front of the stumps to end the West Indies innings.

England's opening batters arrived at the crease facing a difficult period to get through to the end of play without loss.

In just the fifth over, West Indies looked to have broken through the England opening pair as Zak Crawley was given out lbw off the bowling of Roach. However, upon review, the ball was shown to be flying high and wide of the mark.

With stumps called two overs from time, England's opening duo guided the visitors to 40/0 at the close.

With day five set for an intriguing encounter, Zak Crawley (21*) and Alex Lees (18*) will return to the crease with plenty left to be done if either side is to force a result and take a 1-0 lead in the series.