England's Ben Stokes hits out against the West Indies at Old Trafford. POOL/AFP/Jon Super
Stokes, promoted to open the innings in a quest for quick runs, made a rapid 78 not out off 57 balls, including four fours and three sixes, to take England to 129-3 declared in their second innings.
That followed the star all-rounder’s 176 in England’s first innings 469-9 declared.
England are looking to level the three-match series, the first major international cricket since the coronavirus lockdown, at 1-1.
But if the West Indies, who won the first Test at Southampton by four wickets, avoid defeat they will retain the Wisden Trophy following a 2-1 series victory over England in the Caribbean last year.