For the first time in over two years England’s army of travelling supporters took over a Test ground away from home, their St George’s flags draped all over the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium like towels on the beach well before a ball had been bowled.
By the close, as a woozy sun began its final descent and thoughts turned to Antigua’s evening attractions, they had witnessed an absorbing first day of this three-match series against West Indies. It featured a sparkling unbeaten 109 from one of their long-time favourites, Jonny Bairstow, and saw England reach 268 for six. Equally there was a reminder that the post-Ashes “red-ball reset” may not be instant.
