Cricket: Root, Stokes centuries put England in command – Gulf Digital News

Cricket: Root, Stokes centuries put England in command – Gulf Digital News

England pace bowler Matt Fisher collected a wicket with his second ball on debut as the visitors turned the screws on West Indies in the second test in Barbados on Thursday.

West Indies were 71 for one at stumps in their first innings on day two at Kensington Oval, 436 runs behind England, for whom Joe Root (153) and Ben Stokes (120) made contrasting centuries.

England might be a little disappointed to make only one breakthrough, but have probably taken any chance of defeat out of the equation on a pitch that while not exactly a minefield at least is offering some help to the bowlers.

"The wicket changed towards the back end of our innings," said Stokes.

"We've seen a few balls spin and bounce by Leachy (Jack Leach) and the seamers thought they were in the game, a lot more than (in the first test in) Antigua anyway."

After nearly two hot days in the field, West Indies captain and opener Kraigg Brathwaite displayed good discipline to survive until stumps, unbeaten on 28.

Shamarh Brooks survived a couple of poor shots to be 31 not out.

Fisher received a harsh initiation to the test arena when his first ball was worked by left-hander John