It was a rollercoaster ride to get there but England will feel they edged the balance of play in the drawn first Test.
Both teams might be hoping for more life in the surface as the series moves from Antigua to Barbados.
West Indies vs England | Second Test | Wednesday 16 March – Sunday 20 March 2022 | Kensington Oval, Queenstown, Barbados | 16:00
West Indies
West Indies failed to make the most of getting on top of England early in the first Test but will be encouraged by their performance.
They scrapped well but will feel that they let themselves down in the field, failing to back up the bowling effort.
Nkrumah Bonner’s brilliant fighting ton was a big positive for the West Indies but they need to be more aggressive to win matches.
Jermaine Blackwood and John Campbell could just be the men to give the West Indies the impetus in the second Test.
England
England may have answered some questions with the bat but a whole lot more have been posed of them by injuries to key bowlers.
Mark Wood’s absence robs England of raw pace and experience and they cannot call up Stuart Broad and James Anderson now.
A slightly spicier pitch might well swing the balance away from the touring side who lack confidence despite finally racking up the runs in Antigua.
Zak Crawley and Joe Root cashed in last time but Alex Lees failed twice and will want to impress.
Verdict: England
The tourists have the edge now.
