West Indies in Command at Stumps on Day 2, Trail England by 65 Runs

West Indies are only 65 runs from England's first innings total of 416. // Pic - Getty Images

West Indies ended Day 2 in a commanding position with a score of 351/5, trailing England's first innings total of 416 by just 65 runs. 

Resuming from 212/3 after tea, Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge built a formidable 175-run partnership. Ben Stokes finally broke the stand, dismissing Athanaze for a well-made 82 in the 62nd over.

Jason Holder, who joined Hodge at the crease, struggled to find his rhythm and is unbeaten on 23 from 67 balls at stumps. Hodge, meanwhile, reached his maiden Test century, scoring 120 off 171 balls with 19 boundaries. His innings ended when he was trapped lbw by Chris Woakes, an umpire’s call on DRS sealing his fate.

Joshua Da Silva added a brisk 32 off 35 balls and will continue alongside Holder tomorrow. England’s bowlers faced a tough day, managing to claim only five wickets. Mark Wood suffered a hamstring niggle and left the field during the evening session. Shoaib Bashir was the standout bowler with figures of 2/100, while Chris Woakes (1/59), Gus Atkinson (1/77), and Ben Stokes (1/61) also chipped in.

The second new ball was taken in the final over of the day, setting up an intriguing morning session for the English bowlers on the moving day of the Test match.