By Stephan Shemilt, BBC Sport in Southampton
England were dismissed for 204 thanks to West Indies’ captain Jason Holder’s superb 6-42 on day two of the first Test at an empty Southampton. Holder, who at one stage took 3-1 in 14 deliveries, was backed up by 4-62 from the pacy Shannon Gabriel. West Indies moved to 57-1, trailing by 147 at the close.
On a pitch offering plenty for the bowlers, England’s batsmen showed obvious signs of rustiness in their first Test since the coronavirus lockdown. Captain Ben Stokes was dropped twice in his 43, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler briefly impressed for 35, and it needed a last-wicket stand of 30 between Dom Bess (31 not out) and James Anderson to carry England past 200.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented: “A great day for the West Indies. When the ball moves around, I still watch this England team from behind the curtains when they bat. The West Indies have played with more discipline.” West Indies limited-overs all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite added: “Jason Holder challenged both the stumps and outside edge. He bowled with immaculate consistency, with length and skill, as well as swinging it both ways.”