BARBADOS: Ravi Bopara struck his maiden century and Paul Collingwood hit 96 as England piled up 600-6 declared against West Indies on day two of the fourth cricket test at Kensington Oval.
West Indies lost captain Chris Gayle early but responded strongly to post 85-1 at the close.
The 23-year-old Bopara, a late replacement in the squad, helped press home England's advantage with 104 after the tourists resumed on 301-3.
The Essex batsman, in only his fourth test, took advantage of an early life to blast nine fours and a six off 143 balls.
Collingwood just missed out on a ton after a fluent innings that spanned 159 deliveries and was decorated with 12 boundaries.
Wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose hit a boisterous, unbeaten 76 as he grabbed the chance presented to him by the paternity leave absence of Matt Prior.
Fidel Edwards was the pick of the West Indian bowlers although his figures of 3-151 did not do him justice.
When West Indies replied, England struck quickly as James Anderson (1-29) claimed Gayle leg before wicket after benefiting from a TV referral.
But the in-form Ramnaresh Sarwan (40 not out) and Devon Smith (37not out) shared an unbroken stand of 72 to dull England's edge.
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