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Jonny Bairstow hits century as England edge first day with West Indies

Bairstow hits ton as England edge first day with West Indies
© Reuters
Jonny Bairstow hits his eighth Test century as England fight back to end day one of the first Test match with West Indies on 268-6.

Jonny Bairstow posts his eighth Test century as he spearheads an England fightback on day one of the first Test match against West Indies, the tourists reaching the close of play on 268-6.

A much-changed lineup go into this series looking to respond to the disappointment of the recent Ashes series, but the opening two hours in Antigua told a familiar story.

Despite winning the toss, England were reduced to 48-4, captain Joe Root only making 13 and Dan Lawrence the pick of the opening four batsman with 20 off 38 balls.

However, Ben Stokes and Bairstow steadied the ship, with Stokes contributing a patient 36 to take England to 115-5 at the 40-over mark.

Bairstow came into his own alongside the recalled Ben Foakes, the pair putting on 99 runs for the sixth wicket before the wicket-keeper was dismissed for 42.

As the day entered the final hour, Bairstow could not claim to have produced his most fluent performance, but he has able to celebrate once he had found the rope for the 17th time.

As Bairstow finished the day on 109 not out, Chris Woakes also chipped in with 24, the pair reaching stumps having helped build some much-needed momentum ahead of Wednesday's play.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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