Cricket with Dalchand Bissoon

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder struck his maiden Test and first class century to lead West Indies to a draw in the first Test match against England which ended last Friday in Antigua.

The 23-year-old West Indies ODI captain, playing in only his fourth Test, struck an unbeaten 103 and shared in a seventh-wicket partnership with skipper Denesh Ramdin who made 57, and then put on a further 56 with fellow Barbadian fast bowler Kemar Roach who faced 55 balls in his 1¼ hours at the crease scoring 15 runs not out with two fours.

It was also a record breaking final day for England’s fast bowler James Anderson who, playing in his 100th Test, surpassed Ian Botham’s record of 383 wickets to make him England’s leading Test wicket-taker, ending a record which stood since 1986.

Scores in the match: England scored 399 all out with Ian Bell scoring 143. Joe Root took 83 and Ben Stokes 79. K. Roach took four for 94 and Jerome Taylor three for 90.

West Indies in reply scored 295 all out with Jermaine Blackwood scoring his maiden Test century 112 not out and Shiv Chanderpaul made 46. J. Tredwell took four for 47.

England in their second innings declared at 333 for seven wickets with Gary Balance scoring 122 and Joe Root made 59. J. Taylor and S. Benn picked up two wickets each.

West Indies set a target of 438 for victory were 350 for seven wickets at the close of play on the final day. Holder 103 not out. Opener Devon Smith scored 65 and D. Ramdin 57. J. Anderson and J. Root took two wickets each.

Jason Holder was voted Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, the second Test started last Tuesday (April 21) in Grenada.

The WICB selectors have drafted in Trinidad & Tobago fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, leaving out left-arm spinner Benn, the only change to the 14-man squad which was named last Saturday.