Kent's Zak Crawley hits century for England against West Indies in First Test in Antigua

Kent batter Zak Crawley has hit his second century for England during the first Test against West Indies.

Returning to the top of the order in Antigua, the 24-year-old struck the landmark with a clip into the leg side.

Bromley-born Crawley has shared a big partnership with the England captain Joe Root, their team moving to 212-1 to lead the hosts by 148 runs.

He was greeted with a hug by the skipper and beamed and soaked up the applause from the crowd, as he removed his helmet after reaching 100 off 181 balls.

It is Crawley's first hundred since his mammoth 267 against Pakistan in summer 2020.

The sides came off for a rain delay at 8.35pm with Crawley unbeaten on 116 not out.

Crawley was backed by Kent director of cricket Paul Downton to have a successful tour.

Downton said: “He is somebody who oozes class. I think the Australians couldn’t believe that he hadn’t been playing more or that he had such a bad run really - his numbers don’t back up his talent yet.

“But to my mind, it’s only a matter of time before he establishes himself and then I think he will become a very strong feature and fixture in the England side. I know he is very determined."