We are now halfway through this three-match series and already the theme has been tit for tat. Following the stalemate in the first Test, the second in Barbados looks to be going the same way. For after England batted for five sessions, West Indies, as they closed day three on 288 for four, 219 in arrears, are about to do the same.
The pitch at Bridgetown is far too skewed against the bowlers for an even contest. But with the scoreboard pressure of England’s 507 for nine declared, the hosts, specifically Kraigg Brathwaite, still unbeaten on 109, and Jermaine Blackwood with 102, carried a steady hand in response. The pair shared a stand of 183 for the fourth wicket.
