West Indies ended the fourth day of the unexpectedly enthralling second test requiring 317 more runs to win after England turned the contest firmly in their favour.
Having taken a 169 run first innings advantage, the tourists will be disappointed to find themselves facing a final day with the odds against them but credit for that must go to some fine lower order England batting.
England had managed only 258 in their first innings but their middle and lower order is their strength and combined to make 490 for eight before captain Joe Root decided to declare.
West Indies’ opening pair survived the remaining six overs of the day, always a tricky task after a long day in the field, but it will take a most unexpected twist in the plot if they are to level the three test series.
It has been a test match with plenty of momentum shifts but the final session of the fourth day was when England finally grabbed a firm grip on proceedings.
Not for the first time this summer, Moeen Ali was the key figure, striking 84 off 93 balls, including 14 boundaries, as England turned a decent effort with the bat into what should be a match-winning score.
Moeen’s partnership with Chris Woakes, who ended unbeaten on 61, put on 117 runs for the eighth wicket and that could well prove to be the difference between the two teams.
