England founder on Samuels' defiance

Tue, Apr 21, '15

At the end of another day of hot, sweaty toil, West Indies had provided another show of the character that Phil Simmons hopes to instil in this side. The scene had moved from Antigua to Grenada but West Indies, thanks to an innings of discipline and application from Marlon Samuels, were once again feeling in the pink. England were left looking a little bit red and a little bit ragged, despite only having to get through 70 overs after rain cut the morning session in half.

The portents had been more promising for England, after winning the toss and inserting West Indies in helpful conditions. Having called correctly, Alastair Cook then received a second stroke of luck, with the news that Jerome Taylor, who menaced England's top three in the first Test, had been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

When James Anderson produced a sonic-booming inswinger in his second over to remove Kraigg Brathwaite it appeared everyone had received the script. The sight of England's leading Test wicket-taker bending the ball adroitly in either direction was doubly heartening for the tourists, after his struggle for lateral movement in Antigua.