Panesar strikes as England take control

Declaring overnight on an imposing 553 for five, England had hoped to make major inroads into a West Indies line-up weakened by their first series without former captain Brian Lara.

England were initially frustrated by determined partnerships for the first two wickets while Matthew Hoggard was forced off with thigh problems. But just as West Indies began setting their sights on lunch, left-arm spinner Panesar was introduced into the attack and bowled Devon Smith with his first delivery as West Indies reached 97 for two at lunch on the second day.

West Indies had made a solid start with opener Chris Gayle dominating a 38-run opening stand which had frustrated England's hopes of making an early breakthrough through new-ball pair Hoggard and Steve Harmison, who was playing his 50th Test for England.

Given the first over ahead of Harmison, which was perhaps a legacy of the Durham fast bowler's opening delivery of the Ashes, Hoggard had an extra incentive to finish the match early following the birth of his son Ernie.

Gayle gave an early indication of his intentions by clipping Hoggard for two boundaries when he strayed onto his legs and it took a bowling change in the 13th over to bring about the breakthrough.

Durham seamer Liam Plunkett, preferred to James Anderson for this Test, took just two deliveries to find his range after replacing Hoggard and bowled Gayle with a superb yorker which removed his off-stump.

Hoggard returned to the other end, halting an eight-over spell for Harmison, but lasted only two overs more before pulling what looked like a thigh muscle after only one delivery of his 11th over and then walked off for treatment.

Paul Collingwood finished off the over, but it was a change of bowling at the other end which tilted the session in England's favour with stand-in captain Andrew Strauss bringing Panesar into the attack.

Straight away Panesar found the right line and length and Devon Smith, who had looked impressive in progressing to 21 off 39 balls, played for the turn only to watch the ball drift past his outside edge into the off-stump.