TOP SPIN ON THE TEST: Bairstow hits highest Test score since 2016

England's opening Test match in West Indies is tantalisingly poised after an even second day in Antigua.

The tourists were bowled out for 311 before starting poorly with the ball, only to then fight back with four wickets in the afternoon session. But Jason Holder and Nkrumah Bonner then showed resilience in a rain-affected final session.

Sportsmail's LAWRENCE BOOTH provides the big stats from a tantalising three sessions on day two at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

England passed 300 for the first time in 13 Test innings — a sequence stretching back to August, when they scored 432 against India at Headingley. It was also their first total of 300-plus away from home in 18 innings, after their 578 at Chennai in February 2021.

Jonny Bairstow's 140 was his highest Test score since June 2016, when he made an unbeaten 167 against Sri Lanka in a drawn match at Lord's. It was only his second score above 30 in his 14 Test innings against West Indies.

Chris Woakes is now England's attack leader, but his 12 overs went for 54 — his worst economy-rate (4.50) in a Test innings since July 2020.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite reached his half-century in 62 balls — a personal best. He had reached 50 on 32 previous occasions in Tests, but never more quickly than from 70 deliveries.

He has converted nine of those to centuries.