Left-hander Duckett, on his Nottinghamshire home ground, led the counter-attack with a 59-ball innings featuring 56 runs in boundaries, courtesy of 14 fours. Duckett, however, was out shortly before lunch, edging a good-length ball from Shamar Joseph to second slip, where Jason Holder held a fine low catch as the towering all-rounder moved forward. His exit ended a second-wicket partnership of 105 in 19 overs with Ollie Pope.

The England vice-captain then hit the first six of the match when he lofted Shamar Joseph high over long leg. Pope, though, should have been out just before the interval when a square-cut off Jayden Seales was dropped by Alick Athanaze. Pope was 47 not out at lunch, with Joe Root unbeaten on 13.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

Brathwaite's decision to field after winning the toss was understandable given his side had been dismissed for just 121 and 136 during an innings and 114-run defeat in the first Test at Lord's last week. It took West Indies just three balls to strike on Thursday, with Crawley edging an excellent delivery from Alzarri Joseph low to third slip, where a diving Athanaze held a fine catch.

Also Read: When cricket legend Lillee pledged to face Tendulkar with helmet on

But Duckett, whose partner is soon due to give birth, took the attack straight back to the West Indies with four fours in consecutive balls off fast bowler Seales during a second over that cost 19 in total. Holder came into the attack but was unable to staunch the flow of runs, with Duckett cover-driving and straight-driving the former West Indies captain for two more commanding boundaries.

England are looking for a win that would clinch the three-match ENG vs WI Test series with one Test to spare.

(With agency inputs)