St. George's, Grenada: Captain Alastair Cook was 67 not out against the West Indies as he helped England grind out its first century opening partnership in more than two years on Thursday.
Only Jonathan Trott was dismissed in the morning session on day three, for a resilient 59 to another recalled player, legspinner Devendra Bishoo.
England, replying to the West Indies first innings total of 299, resumed at 74 without loss in bright sunshine. Trott departed at 125-1, and England went to lunch at 143-1.
With Cook was fellow left-hander Gary Ballance on 7, as the five West Indies bowlers toiled in ideal batting conditions.
It was a significant innings for Trott, who was dismissed for 0 and 4 in the first test, his first since pulling out of England's series in Australia in November 2013. He batted slowly but solidly for 147 balls, stroking seven fours, before edging a catch to second slip, driving at a leg-break from Bishoo.
It was Bishoo's first wicket since his last test three years ago.
Trott and Cook brought up a century stand in the 42nd over, the first by England openers since March 2013 against New Zealand in Dunedin.
The next ball, Cook brought up his 50. By lunch, the skipper had hit seven fours in his 197 balls faced, and was in good position to score his first century in 19 tests and almost two years.
He had one genuine scare on 65 when the West Indies called for a review of a rejected lbw decision off Bishoo by umpire Steve Davis. Video showed not enough of the ball clipping the middle stump, enough to uphold the decision.
