England in West Indies: Tourist bowlers toil as Nkrumah Bonner hits determined century in first Test

Bonner's century was his second in Tests. Both have come at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

An uninspiring England toiled as Nkrumah Bonner's determined century put West Indies on top after day three of the first Test in Antigua.

England's new-look attack, albeit on a docile pitch and hampered by losing fast bowler Mark Wood to injury, again found wicket-taking hard.

Ben Stokes had Jason Holder caught behind for 45 early on and Jack Leach trapped Joshua da Silva lbw for 32.

But the tourists were held up for almost 30 overs by a stand between Bonner and number nine Kemar Roach, who made 15 from 89 balls.

Roach was run out in the final session, only for number 10 Veerasammy Permaul to frustrate England further with a 87-ball 26.

Bonner, who could have been caught on 73, batted patiently throughout. He finally fell in the third to last over of the day when the third umpire judged he had tickled a catch down the leg side off part-time leg-spinner Dan Lawrence.

That wicket gave England some cause for celebration but the hosts still sit in a strong position with two days to go.

England struggle in the sun

Any criticism of England's bowlers must come with the caveat that this pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is slow and has offered minimal support to pace or spin bowlers.

But, with the dropped Stuart Broad and James Anderson again notable by their absence, England's attack lacked threat once more in an innings that has now lasted 157 overs.

Stokes bowled admirably, giving England with the wicket of Holder with only four runs added to the overnight score.

But the new ball, taken soon after the start with West Indies five down and still 84 runs behind, came and went with little effect. Craig Overton often bowled below 80mph and Chris Woakes showed little sign of overturning his poor overseas record.

The loss of Wood hurt England badly. He left the field with an elbow issue after one over with the new ball and only bowled five all day.

Without their quickest bowler, England struggled to remove West Indies batters who rarely showed aggression. It took a misjudged run and a good throw by substitute fielder Ollie Pope to eventually see off Roach, ending his stand with Bonner.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach was the most likely wicket-taker, even with little turn to aid him.

Bonner inside edged the Somerset bowler onto his pad when flicking to leg but Crawley could not get a hand to the ball when it deflected to him at slip. After passing 100, Bonner twice survived tight lbw decisions on review - Leach the bowler on both occasions.

Bonner may have fallen near the end of the day but has still hurt England's hopes in the Test significantly. There could be further repercussions given the loss of Wood and the number of overs now in the bowlers' legs.

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