WI vs Eng | Bonner, Holder defy England in drawn first Test

That England came within six wickets of winning on a sluggish pitch with an undermanned bowling attack — seamer Mark Wood was injured — was testament to its tenacity

West Indies held on to draw the first Test after England made a bold declaration on the final day Saturday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

That England came within six wickets of winning on a sluggish pitch with an undermanned bowling attack — seamer Mark Wood was injured — was testament to its tenacity.

West Indies also deserved credit for holding out after being reduced to 67-4. Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder kept England at bay for the last 36 overs, but not without some drama.

After England captain Joe Root notched his 24th Test century and was out for 109, England declared its second innings at 349-6 just before lunch and tempted West Indies with a winning target of 286 from 70 overs.

But West Indies lost too many wickets after lunch and went into survival mode, finishing on 147-4. Bonner was 38 not out after facing 138 balls and Holder 37 not out after 101.

Spinner Jack Leach was the main tormentor. In the 49th over, he rapped Holder on his back pad on 13 but England didn't review.