Mahmood and Leach lead England recovery after West Indies’ fast start

After two turgid Test matches in Antigua and Barbados this series suddenly burst into life on the opening day of the decider in St George’s. A carnival took place off the field and a procession of wickets took place on it, until the unlikely pairing of Jack Leach and Saqib Mahmood changed the story completely.

At the close, as the band of steel drummers in the Junior Murray/Rawl Lewis Stand started to rest their weary wrists following three sessions of tropical rhythms, England had finally been bowled out for 204 when, with three balls remaining, Mahmood was castled by the part-time spin of Jermaine Blackwood one run short of a maiden half-century at any level.

It was heartbreaking for the No 11, who had combined with Leach, 41 from 141 deliveries, for a 10th wicket stand of 90 runs over 36 overs that had arrested an alarming collapse from those higher up the order and driven West Indies to distraction. The pair had fought their corner and hustled runs with impressive composure, Mahmood top-scoring for his side in the process.

Conditions had eased for the two tailenders in the final session, it must be said, certainly compared to the first two in which England subsided to 67 for seven after lunch, with six of the departed failing to reach double figures and the two Yorkshireman, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, registering ducks. At that stage their hopes of registering a first series win here since 2004 were in strife.

This was a memorable opening day, played out in glorious sunshine and with good local support for a working day making for an engrossing atmosphere and a much needed change of narrative on tour. The pitch started out offering seam movement, inconsistent bounce and, through a combination of the two, a reality