Cook's double hundred roasts West Indies at Edgbaston

Birmingham, August 19: Rain thwarted England's progress after Alastair Cook scored a maginificent 243 on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Friday (August 18).|

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 the West Indies will resume on Saturday (August 19) 470 runs behind.

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, also 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.

Ben Stokes (10), Jonny Bairstow (18) and Moeen Ali (0) fell in quick succession as England chased runs and Cook's marathon vigil ended when he was trapped leg before by Chase, prompting the declaration.

The West Indies batting 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 before heavy rain ended the day's play.