Kraigg Brathwaite’s fourth Test century carried the fight to England as the West Indies reached 202 for two at stumps on the fourth day of the second Test in Grenada.
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Known for his stodgy defiance, Brathwaite actually outscored the more flamboyant Bravo in a second-wicket partnership that had realised 119 runs by tea.
After frustrating England on a placid pitch in putting on exactly 100 runs in the middle session of the day, Bravo fell soon after the break as Stuart Broad found an edge for Jos Buttler to take a smart catch as the batsman had reached 69.
But Brathwaite continued at the crease, bringing up his ton with a classy shot through midwicket and reaching triple figures off 230 balls.
Brains. Bravery. Brilliance. Brathwaite. What a fantastic young batsman @K_Brathwaite is, and what a monumental century.
— Damian McBride (@DPMcBride) April 24, 2015
At close, the West Indies were 37 runs ahead with Brathwaite on 101 and Marlon Samuels on 22.
Brathwaite and Bravo had come together just before the end of the morning session when James Anderson dismissed local star Devon Smith, bowled off the inside-edge for just two.
His early strike made amends in a small way for the careless manner in which he was run out to end the England innings and leave Joe Root on 182.
Anderson’s was one of three run outs, only the third time in 138 years that England have had that many run outs in a single innings.
PHOTO: The moment @joeroot05 walked off the field to a standing ovation from the crowd! #WIvEng pic.twitter.com/D58GF4n5Yi
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 24, 2015
Root carried on from the previous day with his positive, aggressive style of play, especially as the wickets continued to fall around him.
He hoisted two more sixes and stroked four additional boundaries in a commanding knock that was fully deserving of a double-hundred, except that his team-mates appeared unwilling to hang around with him for any length of time.
Resuming at 373 for six and looking to take the lead closer to the 200-run mark, Root’s overnight partner, Jos Buttler, charged down the pitch at Devendra Bishoo to be stumped within the first half-hour.
Chris Jordan helped the senior batsman in putting on 39 runs for the eighth wicket before he was adjudged run out for 16 by television umpire Billy Bowden.
Stuart Broad’s poor form continued with his second “duck” in as many innings, top-edging a sweep at Bishoo for Smith.
Last-man Anderson appeared inclined to stay with Root, who cleverly pushed the score along and manoeuvred the strike as 33 runs were added for the final wicket.
However the tailender, called through for a sharp second run, seemed to give up when a proper effort would have seen him home.
