Ben Stokes’ England fireworks light up second Test against West Indies

Day two in Barbados was one to savour for the England supporters who have landed on the island seeking sun and fun. First came a destructive and emotional 11th Test century for Ben Stokes, followed by the sight of Matthew Fisher wheeling away in delight after claiming a wicket with just his second ball on debut.

Come stumps, as thoughts turned to evening plans, this combination had left the visitors in the ascendancy. England had declared on 507 for nine after tea, a total built on Joe Root’s eight-hour 153 and Stokes plundering 120 from 128 balls, with West Indies then reaching 71 for one after 27 overs of graft.

With a huge slab of runs on the board, shadows lengthening on the outfield and a wall of noise from the stands, this was always going to be a tricky period for the hosts. They were facing a refreshed England attack too, with Fisher and Saqib Mahmood straining for their first bowl in international cricket.

Mahmood had to wait, a lively four-over burst arriving before stumps, but Fisher was thrown the new ball and delivered an instant return. Bounding in from the Joel Garner End, the 24-year-old saw his first delivery sliced to the boundary by John Campbell, only for its follow-up to be loosely snicked behind.

It was a golden moment for the young Yorkshireman as he pointed skywards in memory of his father, Phil, who died 10 years ago. It was also a bright start overall. During five brisk overs Fisher got good carry and nearly claimed a second when Sharmah Brooks edged millimetres short of slip. The No3 will resume on 31 first thing, with his captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, 28 not out.

Whether Root’s bowlers can prise out 19 wickets on this benign pitch remains to be seen but the return of Stokes the destroyer is a