West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks has admitted it was crucial for the team to bat as long as possible, as the battle for the second Test raged on, during the fourth day on Sunday.

Chasing a sizeable 469 and with one day rained out, the Windies needed at least 270 to ensure England did at least bat again.  A battling knock of 68 from 137 balls by Brooks went on a long way in ensuring the team got to 287, on the back of a devastating new-ball spell from England pace bowler Stuart Broad.

Brooks also featured in two key partnerships.  He paired with opener Kraigg Brathwaite for 76 runs and with middle-order batsman Roston Chase for 43.  With England back at crease, 219 runs ahead, but two wickets down thanks to impressive late evening bowling by Kemar Roach, all eyes will be focused on how many runs the team will feel is needed to feel comfortable before putting the West Indies back in to bat.

“Yesterday being rained out we knew it was a crucial day lost in this Test match.  We knew the situation was just having to come today and bat for as long as possible,” Brooks told members of the media, via a Zoom press conference, at the end of the day’s play.

“Yes, it is England's game and we knew that saving the follow-on was important but the more time that we batted today is the harder it made it for England to get a result out of this game,” he added.