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Reuters
Reuters
Sport

Rain holds up England after Cook makes 243

England's Alastair Cook celebrates his double century Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

BIRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Rain held up England's progress after Alastair Cook scored a superb 243 on the second day of the first test against West Indies at Edgbaston on Friday.

Cook's 10-hour knock led the hosts to a first-innings total of 514 for eight declared and James Anderson dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite for nought before the tourists battled to 44 for one in reply.

Heavy rain curtailed the final session and West Indies will resume on Saturday 470 runs behind.

Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 Fans applaud England's Alastair Cook as he celebrates his double century Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Resuming on 348 for three in the first day-night test in England, Cook and Dawid Malan smoothly extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 162.

Cook reached his fourth test double century with a thick edge to the third man boundary off Kemar Roach, the former England captain's 30th four.

Malan, who recorded his first test 50 in his third match, was out on the stroke of lunch for 65, edging spinner Roston Chase to Jermaine Blackwood at slip.

Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 West Indies' Kemar Roach appeals for a wicket Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Ben Stokes (10), Jonny Bairstow (18) and Moeen Ali (nought) fell in quick succession as England chased runs and Cook's marathon vigil ended when he was trapped lbw by Chase, prompting the declaration.

A callow West Indies batting lineup was always likely to struggle against England's experienced pace bowling attack and Anderson had Brathwaite caught by wicketkeeper Bairstow for an eight-ball duck.

Powell, dropped by Stokes at gully off Stuart Broad, and Hope battled through to tea without further loss and they extended their partnership in the first match of the three-test series before heavy rain ended the day's play.

Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 West Indies' Roston Chase celebrates the wicket of England's Ben Stokes with team mates Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

(Reporting by Ed Osmond,; Editing by Ken Ferris)

Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 England's Alastair Cook celebrates his double century Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 England's Dawid Malan and Alastair Cook (R) Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
England's Alastair Cook in action Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 England's Alastair Cook in action Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 England's Alastair Cook celebrates his double century Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 Fans in fancy dress during the match Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 West Indies' Roston Chase celebrates taking the wicket of England's Dawid Malan Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Cricket - England vs West Indies - First Test - Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2017 West Indies' Kemar Roach appeals for a wicket Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
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