Campbell among the runs but Cornwall steals the show on day two

Jamaica opener John Campbell came close to his third Test half-century, however, it was his teammate Rahkeem Cornwall who stole the show, as the West Indies continued their good showing against Sri Lanka after day two of the first Test in Antigua yesterday.

Campbell made a fighting 42, but it was Cornwall's unbeaten 60 which has given the host the momentum, as the West Indies enter today's third day on 268 for eight, replying to Sri Lanka's first innings score of 169, which is an overall lead of 99 runs.

Cornwall, who pulled, drove and swept his way to his maiden Test 50, shared in a crucial 90-run eight-wicket partnership with wicket-keeper batsman Joshua Da Silva, who made 46.

The pair took the initiative away from the visitors, who had the home side in a spot of bother at 171 for seven in the final session.

HISTORY

Cornwall hit nine fours and two big sixes in his 79 ball knock which allowed him to become the first Antiguan to score a Test half-century at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground.

"It feels good to get to that milestone, but I really wasn't thinking about that, I wanted to get a score under my belt to build my confidence and Josh (Da Silva) told me to just back myself and once the ball was in my area I just executed, "said Cornwall.

Earlier, the West Indies, resuming on 13 without loss, lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite for just three runs to fast bowler Suranga Lakmal who went on to claim five wickets on the day.

The Jamaican pair of Campbell and Nkrumah Bonner shared in a valuable 56-run second-wicket stand before Bonner fell for 31.

The other Jamaican in the side, Jermaine Blackwood, made only two runs before he was bowled by Lakmal.

Left-handed middle-order batsman Kyle Mayers brought some life back into the West Indies innings, hitting a belligerent 45 from 70 balls.

Former captain Jason Holder made 19 as Lakmal finished with five for 45 and Dushmantha Chameera bagged two for 71. Kemar Roach on four will resume today with Cornwall.