Solid Cook, Bopara defy West Indian bowling

The pair shared an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 115 to give England a solid start in their bid to clinch the series, Cook reaching the interval on 82 and Bopara on 59.
Cook was rarely troubled by the West Indies attack and peppered his watchful innings with several crisp boundaries through the covers and mid-wicket.

Bopara, who made 143 in the first Test at Lord's, again looked comfortable in the number three spot and collected eight fours in his usual compact style.

Cook and Andrew Strauss shared an opening stand of 69 in the morning session before the captain, when on 26, was caught by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin off the bowling of West Indies skipper Chris Gayle.

The joy for West Indies, however, was shortlived as an in-form Bopara and Cook stood firm.

SCORE BOARD

ENGLAND (I Innings)

Strauss c Ramdin b Gayle  26
Cook (batting)  82
Bopara (batting)  59

Extras (B-8, LB-2, W-4, NB-3)  17  
   
Total (for 1 wkt, 62 overs)  184

Fall of wickets: 1-69.

Bowling: Jerome Taylor 9-1-22-0, Fidel Edwards 9-0-29-0, Lionel Baker 15-2-53-0, Chris Gayle 12-2-28-1, Sulieman Benn 17-6-42-0.