Anderson sets record in drawn opening Test

Jason Holder struck his maiden first-class century to lead West Indies to a draw in the first Test in Antigua after James Anderson had become England’s leading Test wicket-taker.

Denesh Ramdin and Holder shared a resolute seventh-wicket stand of 105 and although the former became Anderson’s 384th Test victim in the final session, the hosts did enough to ruin England’s hopes of going 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Holder ended unbeaten on 103 and Kemar Roach was 15 not out as West Indies finished on 350 for seven, 88 runs short of their improbable victory target of 438.

Paceman Anderson surpassed Ian Botham’s tally of 383 Test victims when he had Ramdin caught by captain Alastair Cook at first slip for 57.

Holder held his nerve, however, and he reached three figures by hitting James Tredwell for four in the penultimate over of the match.

WI’s fightback

Earlier, England looked to be closing in on victory when they dismissed Devon Smith, Marlon Samuels and Shivnarine Chanderpaul in the morning session, leaving West Indies on 162 for five at lunch.

First-innings centurion Jermaine Blackwood fell for 31 soon after the interval, aiming a wild heave at Chris Jordan and edging a catch to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.

But Ramdin and Holder comfortably survived on a flat pitch and the hosts took tea at 268 for six.

Anderson equalled Botham’s total in the morning session when Samuels, on 23, flashed at a wide ball and was well caught by Tredwell in the gully.

But Holder stood firm as the hosts hung on for an unlikely draw.

Scorecard:

England 399 all out and 333-7 (Ballance 122, Taylor 2-42)

West Indies 295 all out and 350-7 (Holder 103*, Root 2-22)