NOTTINGHAM, England - Marlon Samuels's unbeaten hundred and a Test-best score from West Indies captain Darren Sammy rescued the tourists from a dire position on the first day of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge on Friday.
West Indies, who had collapsed to 4-63 when Samuels came in, were 6-304 at stumps.
Samuels was 107 not out - only his third hundred in 39 Tests and first since his previous Test best of 105 against South Africa in Durban in January 2008.
Sammy, whose place in the team has been called into question by West Indies great Michael Holding, was 88 not out at stumps having surpassed his previous Test best of 61 against Australia at Roseau last month and justified his decision to bat first after winning the toss.
Samuels walked out with West Indies in a desperate position and they were still in trouble at 6-136 when he was joined by Sammy.
But, against an older ball and on a true pitch, the pair rebuilt the innings with sound and stylish shotmaking and have so far added 168 for the seventh wicket.
And when England took the new ball as soon as they could, with West Indies 6-260 off 80 overs, the duo saw out the day's final 10 overs.
A few years ago, Samuels would have been dismissed for one after being given out lbw to Tim Bresnan but he successfully reviewed umpire Asad Rauf's decision.
West Indies' top order had failed repeatedly during a run of just two wins in 31 Tests coming into this game.