Jonny Bairstow led England away from the precipice of a disaster in their first Test since The Ashes, as the tourists fought to an encouraging draw against West Indies.
Scoring the first of three centuries across the team, Bairstow suggested he could be set for a serious revival of his Test career although opener Alex Lees struggled on his debut.
With the ball, Ben Stokes put his body through the wringer - potentially with consequences - and Jack Leach led the team’s attempt to win the match late on day five.
Will Macpherson was in Antigua to deliver his player ratings...
Alex Lees - 3
Batting scores - 4 & 6
A tough debut for the Durham opener, with two low scores. But left-handed openers falling to Kemar Roach in the Caribbean has become standard fare in recent years, and he will learn from it. Loses a point for dodgy second innings review.
Zak Crawley - 7.5
8 & 121
First innings was the frustrating Crawley. Second, he tightened up and played a fantastic innings that England badly needed. It has taken a while, but he has looked the business since his recall. A costly dropped catch at slip off Jack Leach blotted his copybook in the first innings, and there was another in the second.
Joe Root - 7.5
11 & 109
Made a foul-up in the first innings, leaving Roach, but made amends with a lovely undemonstrative hundred in the second, which will do his confidence a world of good at No3. Impressive that England did chase the game on the final day.
Dan Lawrence - 6.5
20 & 37; Bowling figures - 1-0
Got a start in the first innings, before a frustratingly loose dismissal. Played selflessly and flamboyantly in the second innings. And picked up a vital wicket on the third evening that kept the game alive for England.
Ben Stokes - 7
36 & 13; 2-42 & 1-24
Helped rebuild on day one, but should have kept Seales’ ball out. Bowled heroically on days two, three and five, going above and beyond expectation. Let’s hope there is no cost fitness-wise.
Jonny Bairstow - 9
140 & 15*
A superb hundred in the first innings, just when England needed it most. His second ton in as many games; is this the start of a proper revival in Test cricket? Looks happy and hungry, which is a starting point.
Ben Foakes - 6.5
42 & 1; three catches
Stylish innings in support of Bairstow on day one, then fell in the pursuit of quick runs. Not perfect behind the stumps, dropping a very tough chance off Blackwood, but was very solid. Standing up to seamers a nice option on slow pitches.
Chris Woakes - 4
1-88 & 0-22; 28 & 18*
A tough Test for Woakes in his first post-Branderson opportunity. Was very hittable with the new ball in West Indies first innings and, while his economy did recover, the wickets did no flow. Batted nicely, especially on first evening with Bairstow, but can expect more bouncers.
Craig Overton - 5
2-85 & 0-23
Is a modest bowler to be taking the new bowl, but was more accurate than Woakes overall. His height helps a little on these pitches. Will be asked to do some donkey work this series as other bowlers struggle with the workload.
Mark Wood - 6
1-45
What a shame that he has picked up another injury, just as he has become England’s key bowler. Bowled well when he could, providing the point of difference England need. Would be a surprise if he is seen again in the series.
Jack Leach - 7
2-79 & 3-57
England were right not to discard Leach after the Ashes and, with a bit more love, he looked good here. Defended well in the first innings, and attacked in the second – even though there was little turn. Should take confidence from this, especially as he had two catches dropped and was on the wrong end of a couple of umpire’s calls.
