Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir showcased the emerging talent with two wickets in the morning session as England moved closer to a series whitewash over the West Indies.

Stokes began the day with Bashir, who delivered a tight, threatening spell that led to Alick Athanaze’s dismissal, lbw while sweeping. Atkinson was introduced just before lunch and struck with his fourth ball, a fast inswinger that trapped Jason Holder leg before, marking Atkinson’s 22nd wicket of a remarkable debut series.

Mikyle Louis reached his highest Test score with a fifty but was caught in the cordon off Stokes for 57 due to his weakness outside off stump. England took three wickets in the session, leaving West Indies at 151 for five, 57 runs ahead at lunch, but another three-day Test is likely. Despite creating opportunities, England missed three chances in the slips.

West Indies have shown promise in phases during the last two Tests but have struggled to maintain pressure with both bat and ball. With Wood appearing fatigued and Chris Woakes carrying a thigh strain, a partnership between Kavem Hodge, unbeaten on 52, and the resilient Josh Da Silva could still make England work hard for their victory.

The West Indies lead England by just 57 runs, but it was a solid morning for the inexperienced tourists as they added 118 runs for three wickets. England bowled 27 overs, a brisk pace by today’s standards. Both Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge scored fifties, with Hodge still at the crease. England dropped a couple of sharp chances, and Jason Holder was dismissed lbw, a correct but unfortunate call. While an England win still seems likely, the match is now expected to extend into the evening session, much to the satisfaction of the bar concession operators in the Hollies Stand.

Holder was given out lbw to Atkinson, and he reviewed the decision. The ball struck him on the knee roll, which is significant given his height, and it appeared it might be missing leg stump. However, the decision stood as it was umpire’s call, with the ball clipping the upper and outer part of the leg bail. It was a tough call from Umpire Menon, and Holder walked off dejectedly.

Jason Holder tries to hook a short-ish ball from Stokes and misjudges the pace, getting and 85 mph armpit tickle in the process. But he gets it right next ball, with a short armed pull up and over for four. Stokes tumbled over in bowling it and things get a little worse yet when he draws the edge from Holder next ball. Poor shot from Jason, fiddling at the wide ball and Crawley has dropped it at second slip. Seemingly hurting his finger in the process, he is going off the park.

Bit leg-sidey from Woakes and Holder helps himself to four. Windies are going along at a decent clip and their lead is already 47.

Stokes plays with such a joyful, uncomplicated commitment to everything. Holder knocks one for a single and Stokes chases down the ball himself, throws himself through the air, gathers, fires at the stumps in Tiggerish fashion. There was never any doubt that Holder was getting home there.