Jonny Bairstow century gave England a boost on Day 1.

England’s revival against the West Indies was boosted by Jonny Bairstow’s superb century, as they went from an anxious 48/4 to a relaxing 268/6 on the first day of the first Test on Tuesday. Bairstow scores his eighth Test century, his maiden against the West Indies, just before the match’s end in front of a huge pro-England crowd.

Bairstow teamed up with Ben Stokes as they approached lunch at 57/4 to rebuild for the tourists after yet another top-order collapse. They scored a total of 67 points to boost England’s total to 100. Bairstow and Ben Foakes partnered for 99 runs to bring England over the 200-run barrier, and Bairstow later scored his ninth Test century while batting alongside allrounder Chris Woakes. To complete a spectacular reversal, those two batted out to stumps, including six overs with the new ball.

Two wickets were taken by a spirited Kemar Roach, a miserly Jason Holder, and a promising young paceman, Jayden Seales. When the England captain did not offer a shot to a delivery that nicked off the bails, Roach claimed the coveted wicket of Joe Root for 13. Holder caught Foakes lbw with the second ball of a new spell, ending a 99-run partnership between the wicketkeeper and Bairstow at a moment when things appeared to be spiralling out of control for the home team.

Bairstow took no chances early on, collecting his first 43 runs in 118 balls before completing his century against Australia in Sydney. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be on a few tours over here, and it’s a fantastic location to view,” he said.

“To score a century in any Test match is an achievement, but especially with travelling supporters who haven’t been able to attend in a couple of years, we’re really blessed to have them,” he said.