Windies in control after Brathwaite, Hope tons

England lead this three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 209-run win in the inaugural day/night Test in Britain at Edgbaston last week.

Root equalled the record of South Africa’s AB de Villiers for scoring a half-century in 12 successive Tests on the opening day of the Headingley game against the West Indies.

If anything, England’s formidable middle order has been strengthened by the introduction of Chris Woakes and he added 23 to help Stokes through to his century off 122 balls.

Twice Braithwaite was reprieved with successful reviews after being given out lbw – to Broad when he got an inside edge and to the struggling Moeen Ali – as West Indies moved to 109 for three at lunch. “From this Test team’s point of view, we have created a lot of good things over the last few months, played some really good cricket and I don’t think this last couple of days is a fair reflection of where we are”. We just have a new scapegoat now. “He showed a attractive solid defence and hit the bad ball away, we can’t ask much more”. But Brathwaite along with Hope played a patient piece of innings at Headingley, coupled with occasional boundaries to take the Windies closer to the target put forth by the home side. Brathwaite went to both fifty and a hundred with sixes down the ground, while the pull that took Hope to 99 had more than a touch of Gordon Greenidge’s flamboyance to it, one knee proudly pointing upwards.

Broad finally bowled Brathwaite through the gate to give England a much-needed breakthrough and Chase (5) edged Stokes to Alastair Cook at first slip.

They were vilified and mocked – even by their own stars from the past – but here they deserve only praise for the way they defied England’s bowlers.

And West Indies’ fourth-wicket pair saw their partnership soon pass 100 as England’s frustrations grew during a wicketless afternoon session.

But in the context of where England were when he came to the crease, this was perhaps Stokes’ most important Test century. It also remains to be seen if Woakes will get a chance to play, but Malan’s 65 probably means that the captain will want the younger one to get some games in.

Law, who took over helm of the side in March, said confidence had been understandably low following the drubbing but the players had rebounded well.

From flirting with a disastrous day that would have knocked the stuffing out of the tourists – and all interest out of the series – the day ended with the possibility of the West Indies compiling a substantial three-figure lead.

Bairstow, who made 140 against Sri Lanka in past year s Test at Headingley, said conditions in Leeds would help ensure England did not get ahead of themselves.