Root gives England strength

Grenada, April 24

Joe Root struck an unbeaten 182 as England were bowled out 464 against West Indies in the second Test in Grenada before strengthening their position with a wicket before lunch on the fourth day.

West Indies had six overs to negotiate and James Anderson removed Devon Smith for two when he tried to pull out of his shot and dragged an inside edge on to the stumps.

West Indies reached the interval on 22 for one, 143 runs behind with nine second-innings wickets remaining. After an outstanding innings, Root was left frustrated when last man James Anderson was run out, leaving him 18 short of a double century.

England resumed on 373 for six with Root on 118 but he quickly lost Jos Buttler (13) who was stumped off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Chris Jordan (16) was run out, Jason Holder firing in a superb throw from the deep to remove the England batsman who, seeking a second run, had been turned back by Root.

Root took the attack to the West Indies bowlers, producing some fine aggressive strokes, but he was running out of partners and Stuart Broad gloved an attempted sweep into the air and Devon Smith snaffled up the catch.

Anderson became the third England player to be run out in the innings when he casually strolled towards the crease having apparently given up hope of making it and Holder at the bowler's end removed the bails in time.

Brief scores: West Indies 299 and 22 for 1 (Bravo 15no, Brathwaite 5no); England 464 (Root 182no, Cook 76, Trott 59) — Reuters