Nkumrah Bonner and Jason Holder’s persistence in the second innings blunted England’s bowling effort as West indies drew the first test against England in Antigua.
Bonner and Holder put together an 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket, keeping England’s depleted bowling attack at bay after West Indies were reduced to four for 67 runs at one stage.
England skipper Joe Root declared the innings at 349-6, adding 132 runs in 25 overs in the morning session, and set West Indies a target of 286.
Centurion Zak Crawley, after scoring 121, was dismissed early by Holder, who bowled a pinpoint in-swinging yorker to beat the defence of Crawley.
Root got to his 24th Test ton, fourth against West Indies, and shared a 78-run partnership off just 68 deliveries before being castled by Azarri Joseph, who picked up 3 wickets 78 runs.
Johnny Bairstow and Chris Woakes remained not out after putting on 35 runs stand to help England set a target of 286.
In reply, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell compiled their second 50-run opening stand in the match as West Indies were 59 for nought, in an unlikely yet very much possible situation to chase down the target but the Caribbeans lost four wickets in 9.3 overs, giving England hope of to bowl out the hosts on an unresponsive pitch.
Brathwaite (33) was trapped lbw by Stokes and Campbell (22) was caught at mid-on, trying to take on a very disciplined Jack Leach.
Leach turned the session on its head by picking up the wickets of Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood in quick succession, making it a match-saving conquest for West Indies.
Bonner and Holder dug in to get West Indies out of trouble, with the pair keeping out 34.3 overs from England.
Bonner, who was adjudged the man of the match, remained not out on 38 and Holder scored a resolute 37 to draw the match.
